ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOKOTO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ABSTRACT This study examined the effectiveness of guidance and counselling services in secondary schools in Sokoto North Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The research focused on evaluating the adequacy and quality of guidance personnel, the availability of counselling facilities, and the extent of counselling services provided to students. The study adopted a descriptive survey design involving 200 respondents drawn from ten selected secondary schools, comprising both teachers and students. A structured questionnaire titled “Assessing the Effectiveness of Guidance and Counselling Services in Secondary Schools” was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using simple percentages and mean scores. The findings revealed that most schools lack adequate qualified counsellors, and the available counselling facilities are grossly insufficient. Furthermore, while orientation services are commonly organized, other crucial counselling activities such as career guidance, psychological testing, and peer counselling are not adequately implemented. The study concluded that guidance and counselling services in the study area are not effectively implemented, thereby limiting their impact on students’ academic and personal development. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education should recruit more qualified counsellors, provide standard counselling offices and facilities, and organize regular training programmes for staff. Schools should also intensify awareness campaigns on the importance of counselling services and integrate comprehensive counselling programmes into their academic systems to enhance student performance and well-being.