This study assessed Heads of Departments' effectiveness in providing academic leadership at the departmental level. I research question and 2 hypotheses were formulated to give direction to this investigation. Survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 110 Heads of Departments from 2 universities in Cross River State who were purposively constituted into the sample. Data were collected using "Academic Leadership Effectiveness Assessment Questionnaire (ALEAQ)" constructed by the researchers. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Descriptive Statistics (X and SD), Population t-test of single mean and Independent t-test statistical techniques. Results obtained indicated that HODs are most effective in providing academic leadership in the aspect of providing professional development, while they are least effective in strengthening leadership skills; HODs' effectiveness in providing academic leadership at the departmental level is significantly low; type of university does not significantly influence HODs' effectiveness in providing academic leadership at the departmental level. It was therefore recommended, amongst others that Heads of Departments should be given orientation at the time appointment and retreat organised for them from time to time to equip them with the necessary skill to provide academic leadership.