IMPACT OF GUIDANCE SERVICES ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MINNA, NIGER STATE

Abstract

The research was undertaken to justify the impact of guida nce counselling services on the achievement of students in public senior secondary schools in Minna metropolis of Niger state. The objectives of the study were to identify how guidance and counselling improve the academic achievement of students in public senior secondary schools in Minna metropolis; and to identify the various guidance services available for students in public senior secondary schools in Minna metropolis. The research method used in this research is the descriptive survey research method. The population of this research consists of students of secondary schools in Minna metropolis these schools consist of boarding and day. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 165 respondents from the population comprising 55 staff and 110 students. The instrument used for this research was a questionnaire and the method used for analyzing data is a simple percentage. The study established the following findings: Secondary schools in the study area differed in the number of guidance and counselling services that they offer. Teacher counsellors had little training in guidance and counselling while Stakeholders adequately supported guidance and counselling programmes in the schools. Based on these findings, it is recommended that there is a need to improve the level of training of teacher counsellors in guidance and counselling through further on-the-job training programmes, further schooling for better skill development and competence as this will tell on the offering of all the services required for a focused and positive guidance and counselling programme. Teacher counsellors should also be encouraged to take advantage of the positive attitude and readiness of the students to make themselves available for guidance and counselling services to enhance career counselling in their schools. Above all, the concerned authority should be persuaded to see that the Guidance and counselling programme in available schools is well strengthened to improve the academic performance of secondary schools in the area.