1.0 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1              BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Guidance and counselling refer to processes aimed at supporting individuals in making informed decisions about their personal, social, educational, and career development. Guidance involves providing advice and direction to help individuals understand their options and make choices that align with their goals and values. Counselling, on the other hand, is a more interactive and therapeutic process, where trained professionals help individuals explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors to address challenges and enhance personal growth. Together, these practices facilitate self-discovery, problem-solving, and the development of coping strategies, ultimately promoting well-being and resilience in individuals.

According to Egbule, (2016) Guidance and counseling can be said to have kicked off as a worldwide movement around the turn of the twentieth century as a reaction to the process of change in an industrialized society. In September in the year 1968, when a consultant named Louis made recommendations and was dispatched to Nigeria by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), guidance and counselling services were established inside the department of education. Guidance and counselling is an important service, is a key component in maintaining discipline among people in any society (Egbule 2016). It may be very difficult for any community to function properly if discipline is not maintained.

As a result, school guidance and counselling programs have been established to aid school students in overcoming the myriad challenges they face at home and at school in order to improve their academic attainment and performance. According to Jack et al (2020), due to numerous environmental demands placed on the family, parents tend to spend little time with their children in order to provide them with the essential guidance, which may have a significant impact on their academic performance and achievement. Parents, on the other hand, expect the school to address the indiscipline that their children have developed as a result of their neglect (UNESCO, 2018).

According to Oniye and Alawane (2018), an effective guidance and counselling program aids school students in harmonizing their strengths, interests, and values, allowing them to reach their maximum potential. It guides school students in making proper career and academic choices, as well as resolving discipline, education, social, and psychological issues, and adjusting to school life in general. Victor (2016) defines guidance and counselling as a specialist service that assists an individual in resolving key personal, educational, and vocational issues

Furthermore In order for teaching and learning in schools to be effective, guidance and counseling services are crucial. Students who receive support and guidance from it are able to enhance their academic performance, personal growth, and general well-being by developing their intellectual, social, emotional, and personal abilities (Egbule 2016). Programs for guidance and counselling assist in identifying and addressing concerns like anxiety, stress, depression, or behavioural disorders that may have an impact on a student's ability to learn. It improves students' academic achievement by assisting them in developing the problem-solving, decision-making, and coping mechanisms necessary to handle difficult circumstances. In addition, counsellors are essential in helping students discover their interests, abilities, and professional objectives so they may make well-informed decisions about their future. They assist students in making plans and becoming ready for the future by giving them information about various career pathways, job requirements, and employment prospects (Egbule, 2016).

Collaboration between educators, counsellors, and parents is a crucial component of successful guidance and counselling programs, as it fosters a pleasant and encouraging learning atmosphere for pupils. Through early problem detection and resolution, this partnership helps students achieve better academic and personal results. In order for teaching and learning in schools to be effective, advice and counselling play a crucial role. Students can improve their academic performance and general well-being by developing their academic, social, emotional, and personal abilities with support, help, and direction. It is to this the study centres on role of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools.

1.2              STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The role of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools is critical in addressing the diverse needs of students during a pivotal stage of their development. As adolescents navigate academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal challenges, they often encounter issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and career uncertainty. These challenges can impede their academic performance and overall well-being. Guidance and counseling services provide essential support, helping students to develop coping strategies, improve decision-making skills, and foster a positive self-image. However, many schools face barriers such as insufficient resources, lack of trained personnel, and inadequate awareness of these services among students and parents. This situation raises important questions about the effectiveness of existing guidance programs and their accessibility. Understanding the impact and role of these services is vital for enhancing student outcomes, promoting mental health, and ensuring a supportive educational environment. Thus, a thorough exploration of the current state of guidance and counseling in secondary schools is necessary to identify gaps and recommend improvements that can better serve the student population. It is to this the study centres on role of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools.

1.3              Purpose Of The Study

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools. other specific objectives include:

I) to examine the role of guidance and counseling services  in enhancing students' academic and personal growth

II) To outline the benefits of Guidance and Counseling  services to secondary school students

III) analyze the aims  and goals of Guidance and Counseling in secondary  Schools

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

I) What is the role of guidance and counseling services  in enhancing students' academic and personal growth?

II) what are the benefits of Guidance and Counseling  services to secondary school students ?

III) what are the aims  and goals of Guidance and Counseling in secondary  Schools?

1.5 HYPOTHESIS

Ho1: guidance and counseling services do not play a significant role in improving students academic performance in secondary schools

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the program is used to address issues that students face in the classroom. This stage will aid in the provision of relevant information that can be used to revamp and energize the program by those involved, such as the Ministry of Education, institution administrators, teacher counselors, and students, in order to improve academic achievement and total self-actualization. The study's findings will assist teacher counselors in determining the influence of counseling on academic success in their specific schools. This study will also be used by the Ministry of Education to determine whether the guidance program is an effective way to solve the challenges that school children face in the country. The research will also aid school administrators in evaluating their contribution to the guidance program and its impact on students' academic success. When the Ministry of Education's Guidance and Counseling unit develops a well-thought-out guidance program that is implemented by teacher counselors with the cooperation of school administrators, school students gain by enhancing their academic performance and self-actualization.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

 The study aimed at examining role of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools.. It was therefore delimited to the ascertainment of the types of guidance services being offered, the influence of these services on students’ academic performance.

1.8 operational definition of terms

Guidance: Guidance is the practice of giving people advice, suggestions and practical help so that they take the best path in life. It refers to the process of helping individuals to discover and develop their potential.

Counseling: Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. Sometimes the term "counselling" is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counseling is also a type of therapy in its own right.