AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CAREER COUNSELING SERVICES IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS: A CASE STUDY OF OSHODI-ISOLO LGA, LAGOS STATE

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CAREER COUNSELING SERVICES IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS: A CASE STUDY OF OSHODI-ISOLO LGA, LAGOS STATE

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Career counseling is a vital component of the educational system aimed at assisting students in making informed decisions about their future professions, understanding their strengths and interests, and navigating the complexities of the labour market. As educational systems expand and become more diversified, the need for structured career guidance becomes more pronounced, particularly in public secondary schools where students often lack access to professional mentorship and occupational information (Okobiah & Okorodudu, 2006). In Nigeria, the inclusion of guidance and counseling services in schools has been officially recognized since the National Policy on Education emphasized the importance of providing students with career and personal-social guidance (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2013).

Despite the policy directives, the actual implementation of career counseling services in Nigerian public schools, especially at the secondary level, remains inconsistent and often underfunded. Many schools operate without trained guidance counselors, and where counselors are available, they are sometimes overburdened with administrative tasks or classroom teaching, limiting the effectiveness of their counseling roles (Onyilofor & Offorma, 2017). As a result, students in public schools frequently lack adequate exposure to information on vocational opportunities, higher education pathways, and employability skills. This deficiency contributes to poor career choices, high unemployment rates among graduates, and widespread career dissatisfaction.

In a competitive global economy where the dynamics of work are continually evolving, the importance of equipping secondary school students with career development skills cannot be overstated. Career counseling plays a significant role in promoting self-awareness, enhancing decision-making capacity, and preparing students for lifelong learning and adaptability. It also serves as a bridge between school and work, helping to align educational outcomes with market needs (Egbochuku & Alika, 2011).

Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area in Lagos State presents a relevant context for this study due to its diverse population, concentration of public secondary schools, and urban socio-economic characteristics. Understanding the effectiveness of career counseling services in this area provides valuable insights into the challenges and potentials of career guidance in similar urban Nigerian settings. This study seeks to assess the availability, quality, and impact of career counseling services in public secondary schools in Oshodi-Isolo, thereby contributing to educational reform and youth development discourse in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While the need for career counseling in secondary schools is widely acknowledged, its implementation in Nigerian public schools, including those in Oshodi-Isolo LGA, appears inadequate and often ineffective. Many students approach critical transitions such as subject selection, tertiary education choices, and career planning without the necessary support or guidance. This situation is worsened by the absence of full-time professional counselors in many schools, limited infrastructure for career development programs, and lack of awareness among students about the importance of career planning (Obiunu & Esene, 2014).

The consequences of ineffective career counseling include increased student confusion, lack of motivation, poor academic outcomes, and a mismatch between students' aspirations and job market realities. Despite these issues, there is a paucity of empirical research evaluating how effective current career counseling services are in meeting student needs, especially within the urban public school system in Lagos State. This study, therefore, seeks to fill this gap by assessing the operational structure, accessibility, and outcomes of career counseling services in selected public secondary schools in Oshodi-Isolo LGA.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To examine the availability and structure of career counseling services in public secondary schools in Oshodi-Isolo LGA.

To assess the perceived effectiveness of these services in influencing students’ career choices.

To identify the challenges limiting the delivery and impact of career counseling in the study area.

1.4 Research Questions

What career counseling services are available in public secondary schools in Oshodi-Isolo LGA?

How do students perceive the effectiveness of these services in guiding their career decisions?

What challenges affect the provision of effective career counseling in the study area?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0₁: Career counseling services in public secondary schools in Oshodi-Isolo LGA have no significant effect on students' career decision-making.

H0₂: There is no significant relationship between the availability of trained counselors and the effectiveness of career counseling services.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial to education policymakers, school administrators, counselors, parents, and students. It will provide evidence-based insights into the strengths and weaknesses of existing career counseling structures and highlight areas requiring policy intervention. Additionally, the study will contribute to the broader goal of enhancing the relevance and responsiveness of Nigeria’s secondary education system to the aspirations of students and the demands of the labour market.

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study is limited to public secondary schools within Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Lagos State. It focuses on the structure, accessibility, and effectiveness of career counseling services. Limitations may include respondents’ bias, administrative reluctance to share internal counseling records, and variability in implementation of counseling programs across schools.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Career Counseling Services: Structured programs and interventions offered in schools to help students make informed educational and career decisions.

Effectiveness: The extent to which career counseling services achieve intended outcomes such as improved career awareness and informed decision-making.

Public Secondary Schools: Government-funded institutions offering junior and senior secondary education.

Oshodi-Isolo LGA: An urban local government area in Lagos State, Nigeria, serving as the study location.

1.9 Structure of the Study

This dissertation is organized into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the study, outlining the background, problem, objectives, and research questions. Chapter Two reviews relevant literature and theoretical frameworks. Chapter Three describes the research methodology. Chapter Four presents the data analysis and discussion. Chapter Five concludes with findings, recommendations, and suggestions for future research.

 

References

Egbochuku, E. O., & Alika, I. H. (2011). Career counseling in Nigerian secondary schools: Principles and practice. The Counsellor, 29(1), 104–116.

Federal Republic of Nigeria. (2013). National Policy on Education (6th ed.). Lagos: NERDC Press.

Obiunu, J. J., & Esene, R. A. (2014). The effectiveness of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools in Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice, 5(10), 66–70.

Okobiah, O. C., & Okorodudu, R. I. (2006). Concept of guidance and counseling. Benin City: Ethiope Publishing Corporation.

Onyilofor, C. A., & Offorma, G. C. (2017). Challenges facing career guidance in Nigerian schools. Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 22(2), 85–97.