The Status of Guidance Services in Secondary Schools in Edo State

Abstract

This paper presents an assessment of the status of guidance services in some Secondary schools in Edo State. Out of the ninety- six (96) public schools in Benin City, only twenty-five (25) have at least a practicing counsellor. Fourteen schools with practicing counsellors were sampled in this study. The only Federal Government and University Demonstration Schools in Benin City were also included in study. Data was collected through the administration of a questionnaire on guidance services. Data analysis revealed Guidance and Counselling services in Edo State are faced with many obstacles which jeopardize effective delivery of the services, thereby resulting in educational wastage instead of the expected quality outcome. Funds for provision of basic guidance services are lacking. Most of the vital counselling services needed for quality education are the least regularly performed in schools e.g. use of psychological tests and keeping of cumulative record folders. Only 14% of the schools sampled indicated that the objectives of the National Policy on education with respect to guidance and counselling services have been realized to some extent. If the stated objectives of Education in the National Policy on Education are to be achieved, the current status of guidance services needs to be reviewed and positive steps taken towards its improvement.

The Nigerian Journal of Guidance Counselling Vol. 10 (1) 2005: pp. 114-125