Background of the Study
Student counseling is a critical service in academic institutions, providing emotional support, academic advice, and career guidance. At Sokoto State University, Sokoto South LGA, traditional counseling methods, which rely heavily on in‑person sessions and scheduled appointments, are often inaccessible and limited by resource constraints. To address these issues, a mobile‑based student counseling system is proposed to offer an accessible, efficient, and confidential platform for student support. The system leverages mobile application technology and cloud computing to enable students to access counseling services on demand, regardless of their location (Okafor, 2023; Adeyemi, 2024). Utilizing secure communication channels and data encryption, the platform ensures that sensitive information is protected. The mobile application features interactive self-help modules, scheduling tools, and direct messaging with qualified counselors. Additionally, the system incorporates AI-driven chatbots to provide preliminary support and guide students to appropriate resources. Real‑time notifications and feedback mechanisms facilitate prompt responses to student concerns, thereby enhancing mental health support and academic performance. Integration with the university’s student information system ensures personalized counseling by tailoring services based on individual academic and personal profiles. Despite its potential benefits, challenges such as ensuring user privacy, managing system scalability, and training staff on digital counseling protocols remain. Pilot studies in similar academic settings have demonstrated that mobile‑based counseling systems can significantly improve access to mental health resources and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. This study aims to evaluate the design, implementation, and operational performance of the mobile‑based student counseling system at Sokoto State University, offering a scalable framework for digital student support (Chinwe, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Sokoto State University currently relies on traditional counseling services that are limited by physical access, scheduling constraints, and a shortage of qualified counselors. This results in delayed support and inadequate attention to student mental health, adversely affecting academic performance and overall well-being. Although a mobile‑based counseling system offers a solution by providing on‑demand, confidential access to support services, its implementation faces several challenges. Key issues include ensuring robust data security and privacy, integrating the new system with existing institutional databases, and achieving high user adoption among students who may be hesitant to use digital platforms for sensitive issues. Additionally, the system must effectively combine AI-driven preliminary support with human counseling to maintain empathy and personalized care. Resistance from traditional counseling providers and potential technical glitches during high-demand periods further complicate the implementation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile‑based counseling system by comparing its performance with conventional methods and identifying the technical and operational barriers to its success. The objective is to propose actionable strategies to enhance user trust, system reliability, and integration, ultimately creating a more accessible and responsive student counseling service (Adeyemi, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
To design and implement a mobile‑based student counseling system that integrates AI-driven support and human interaction.
To evaluate the system’s performance in terms of accessibility, confidentiality, and user satisfaction.
To propose strategies for improving system integration and ensuring data security.
Research Questions
How does the mobile‑based counseling system improve access to support compared to traditional methods?
What technical challenges affect data security and system reliability?
Which measures can enhance user trust and system integration?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it aims to revolutionize student counseling at Sokoto State University by implementing a mobile‑based platform that enhances accessibility and confidentiality. By integrating AI-driven support with traditional counseling, the system seeks to improve mental health outcomes and academic performance, providing a model for digital transformation in student services (Okafor, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the design and implementation of a mobile‑based student counseling system at Sokoto State University, Sokoto South LGA.
Definitions of Terms
Student Counseling System: A digital platform that provides mental health and academic guidance.
Mobile‑Based Application: Software designed for use on mobile devices.
Data Security: Measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
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