THE INFLUENCE OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICES ON REDUCING DROPOUT RATES IN UNDERGRADUATES

This study investigates the influence of guidance and counselling services on reducing dropout rates and improving academic performance among tertiary institution students in Ondo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 150 students across 200, 300, and 400 levels in Adekunle Ajasin University. The analysis focused on counselling availability, accessibility, quality, and utilisation, examining their relationship with student engagement, academic motivation, and retention. Findings revealed that effective counselling services significantly enhance students’ academic resilience, foster stronger engagement in academic activities, and reduce dropout intentions, though socio-economic background and institutional differences moderated the degree of impact. The study concludes that guidance and counselling services are critical for improving student outcomes and recommends greater institutional investment, professional training of counsellors, and policy frameworks that integrate counselling into the academic structure to ensure equitable access and long-term retention. Keywords: Influence, Guiadance and counselling, Dropout.