The state of counseling in Nigeria

Abstract

African nations are in a hurry to educate citizens in order to modernize and enhance their social, economic and political development. The concept of guidance and counseling, although relatively new in Africa has been embraced by most developing nations with enormous enthusiasm. This is because counseling is being regarded by most nations as an educational service through which efficient manpower for development can be attained.Counseling practice, however, does run into frequent clashes with African traditions and development goals typical of developing countries. In order to become fully acceptable at this initial stage, the guidance and counseling profession in Africa must tolerate some compromises and modifications from its original philosophy in the Western sense.

Guidance and counselling in various societies: Structures and developments, problems and solutions

“…In a similar way, it seems questionable whether it is correct and fair to classify the endeavours of developing countries like Nigeria (Okon, 1983; see also Denga, 1983;Bojuwoye, 1992) or Thailand (Pratomthong and Baker, 1983) to build up services of guidance and counselling in education under 'Manpower Utilization' or 'Social Control'. Even if it is true that, in these societies, vocational guidance and career education are priorities during these early stages of guidance (as was the case in developed countries, too): the social context dominated by traditional family relationships, rural life, and strong religious (e.g., Buddhist) beliefs, values and customs simply defy the application of Super's bipolar paradigm.…”

Issues around vocational and career counselling in Nigeria

“…The importance of the multicultural context of Nigeria and the role this plays in determining individual's future career should not be forgotten. Denga (1983) recognizes ethnicity and religion as two strong forces militating against effective and efficient functioning of counselling in Nigeria, and this, according to him is because most specialists fail to reckon with these factors in their work. Denga states further:…”

Nine years in the journal

“…The system and its development have been described by Durojaiye and Arene (1979) and Denga (1983). Almost all aspects of guidance and counselling in this country are to be found in the list of contributions.…”