This study explored the effects of relationships between lecturers and students on the learning abilities of students in selected rural universities. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were adopted for data collection. Questionnaires were administered to 934 randomly selected students and interviews were conducted for 8 purposively selected lecturers in two rural based universities in South Africa and Nigeria. The findings of the study show that student-lecturer relationship influence the learning abilities of students and consequently affect their academic performance in different ways. The self-confidence of students is dependent on the relationship, however, lecturers are sceptical about relating with students due to the tendencies of being misunderstood by students who may be disrespectful to them. Amongst others, the study recommends that periodic workshops, seminars and trainings which are aimed at promoting cordial student-lecturer relationship, influencing, motivating and ensuring that lecturers relate adequately and appropriately with their students should be organised.