GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING

The school guidance counselors play a crucial role in the lives of the students. During this time, students face rapid maturation and physical growth, hormonal changes, social development issues and questions of self-identity, all amidst the search for interests and friends. There is the presence of a supportive, understanding adult who empowers students to make their own decisions, learn self-approval and avoid destructive behavior. The guidance counselor liaises with teachers (mentors) as regards the improvement of their mentees (students) in all areas.

The guidance counselors also foster the academic development of students and help them successfully complete the curriculum, according to the Counselling Association of Nigeria. The counselors help in developing students’ responsibility and initiative with their schoolwork as well as their time management and self-discipline. Through support and encouragement, the guidance counselors help students develop specific interests to further their course selections and recognize their assets, which is the beginning of career orientation by listening to the students’ concerns and ideas as they begin to develop a sense of their interests.