10 PROBLEMS FACING GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING IN NIGERIA

10 PROBLEMS FACING GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING IN NIGERIA- Guidance and counselling are critical for developing effective, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based practices to address the mental health and well-being needs of individuals and communities in Nigeria.The Role Of Government In Agriculture In Nigeria

Currently, the country faces several challenges that limit the effectiveness and impact of guidance and counselling on the lives of individuals. In this article, we will look at some of these issues and how to deal with them.

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What are Guidance and Counselling?

Guidance and counselling is the process and profession involved in helping individuals realize and develop their educational, vocational, and psychological potential. It is the services and programs that promote the personal, social, educational, and career development of people.JAMB Portal

Guidance is a relevant piece of information given to resolve a problem or overcome difficulty, while counselling is the act of providing guidance counsellor services which involves giving help and advice to students about educational and personal decisions.

Problems Facing The Guidance And Counselling Discipline In Nigeria

1. Lack of Awareness:

There still exists a lack of awareness of the importance and potential of guidance and counselling services in Nigeria. This has led to a lack of proper utilization and refusal of services when offered. This affects the demand for guidance and counselling services and professionals which makes the profession less attractive and leads to a shortage of qualified personnel.NYSC Portal

2. Insufficient Funding:

Most institutions in Nigeria do not invest or fund their guidance and counselling department. These professionals are often left in the corner offices which reduces the visibility of the services, undermines their importance and thereby affects the quality and availability of the service when needed. This insufficiency of funds also leads to inadequate resources in the training and development of professionals and practitioners, through a shortage of adequate facilities and equipment needed to support effective counselling.

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3. Stigma and Misconceptions:

In Nigeria, there still exists a stigma for the act of seeking help for, or admitting to having mental health issues. Many Nigerians believe that seeking counselling services is a sign of weakness. Also seeking counselling services from professionals is considered taboo, as most people will rather discuss it with their elders or religious leaders. This has prevented people who need help from seeking it out.InformationGuideNigeria

4. Limited Access to Services:

Guidance and Counselling in Nigeria remains inaccessible, especially in most rural areas. While in Urban areas they can be very expensive. This is a result of the shortage of personnel and the lack of a platform for employment. This, therefore, limits the impact of the services of the individuals in dire need of it.

5. Lack of Regulation and Standardization:

Guidance and Counselling remain unpopular in Nigeria. This unpopularity combined with the stigma of these services leaves the profession in dire need of adequate and substantial regulation. While there might be professional ethics.The Role Of  NERDC In Curriculum Development

There is still a very grey area regarding quality control and professional licensing and mode of service.105 Good Morning Love Messages

This often leads to unqualified individuals acting in the capacity of guidance counsellors which can result in ineffective and harmful practices.PROBLEMS FACING GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING IN NIGERIA

6. Lack of Professional Development Opportunities:

The unpopularity of the profession and the lack of funds available to the profession in Nigeria resulted in a lack and unavailability of professional development and training for professionals in Nigeria. This inherently limits the ability of practitioners to stay current with best practices and the latest advancement in the field.

7. Inadequate Integration into Educational Systems:

Guidance and counselling services are not well integrated into the educational system in Nigeria as a crucial part of the student’s life. This inadequacy limits the impact on students and their ability to develop critical mental fortitude.200 Romantic Love Message

8. Limited Focus on Preventive Measures:

Like most other professions, Guidance and Counselling in Nigeria is largely focused on reactionary action, in addressing issues that have already happened. This lack of proactivity in taking preventive measures limits the impact that the practices can make on the life of Nigerians.

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9. Limited Resources for Research and Evaluation:

There are limited resources for research and evaluation in the field of guidance and counselling in Nigeria, which limits the ability to gather data and understand the impact of these services on individuals and communities.

10. Cultural and Religious Barriers:

There still exist cultural and religious barriers that promote stigma. These cultural and religious beliefs offer alternative ways of solving mental health issues that are in most cases ineffective. In some other cases, counselling practices might be insensitive to religious or cultural beliefs, therefore there is a need to align practices within the profession to become culturally aligned.Challenges Facing Primary Education In Nigeria

These ten major challenges have a deep impact on the availability and effectiveness of guidance and counselling services in Nigeria and highlight the need for improvement to ensure the quality and impact of these services.

Solutions To The Problems Facing The Guidance And Counselling Discipline In Nigeria

1. Increased Awareness and Education:

There is a great need to increase public awareness and educate people on the prospects and benefits of guidance and counselling. This awareness should be aimed and helping people understand what the practice offers and help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.

2. Adequate Funding:

Both Government and private institutions must understand the importance of the practice and give it the adequate budgetary attention it needs to ensure that adequate resources are available for the training and development of practitioners. This should also extend to making available job openings in organizations accompanied with the facilities and equipment needed to ensure that the services are carried out properly.

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3. Regulation and Standardization:

There is a great need to implement regulations and standards for guidance and counselling services. This will help ensure that practitioners are qualified and practising by best practices and professional standards and can be held accountable for their ill practices.

4. Integration into Educational Systems:

Guidance and counselling should be an integrated service in the educational systems to ensure that students have access to these services. This can help improve the educational, social and career development of the students as well as provide them help on critical mental health issues and well-being.

5. Focus on Preventive Measures:

There must be a shift from a reactionary position to a shift focused towards preventive measures. This can help address mental health and well-being issues before they become more serious and will also help improve the mental fortitude of individuals.

6. Professional Development Opportunities:

Provide opportunities for professional development and training for guidance and counselling practitioners to keep them current with best practices and the latest advancements in the field.

7. Cultural Sensitivity:

Develop culturally sensitive and inclusive counselling practices that are responsive to the unique needs and beliefs of different communities in Nigeria. This will ensure that the practices of guidance and counselling and culture of not class but rather complementary and can work in synergy

8. Collaboration and Networking:

Foster collaboration and networking among guidance and counselling practitioners, educators, and mental health professionals to improve the quality and impact of these services.

Implementing these solutions can help to address the challenges facing guidance and counselling in Nigeria and ensure that individuals and communities have access to high-quality and effective services to support their mental health and well-being.

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Conclusion

Every facet of any institution needs a counsellor of some sort that can help people to develop their mental fortification and achieve full productivity. The availability of professionals in guidance and counselling will help create an environment that fosters growth and provides assistance to those who need help professionally.

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