An assessment of career counseling and its role in STEM career choices in Giwa LGA, Kaduna State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study :
Career counseling plays a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectories of students by providing them with the information, guidance, and support necessary to make informed career choices. In the context of STEM education, career counseling is especially critical as it helps bridge the gap between academic preparation and the demands of the modern workforce. In Giwa LGA, Kaduna State, where students face a rapidly evolving job market and increasing competition, effective career counseling can significantly influence students’ decisions to pursue STEM-related fields. Career guidance programs can offer insights into the wide range of opportunities available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and help dispel common misconceptions about these disciplines (Adamu, 2023). Furthermore, career counseling initiatives have been shown to increase student confidence, clarify educational goals, and motivate learners to strive for academic excellence. In Giwa LGA, challenges such as limited access to career guidance resources, inadequate counseling facilities, and a shortage of qualified career advisors have hindered the effective implementation of such programs. As a result, many students are left to navigate career decisions on their own, often relying on incomplete or inaccurate information. This situation has contributed to lower enrollment rates in STEM programs and a mismatch between students’ skills and labor market needs. By assessing the current state of career counseling in Giwa LGA, this study aims to identify the key factors that influence STEM career choices. It will examine the extent to which career guidance services are integrated into the educational system and explore how these services affect students’ career aspirations and decisions. Additionally, the study will consider the perspectives of both students and counselors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the current framework. The findings are expected to offer valuable insights for educational policymakers, school administrators, and career counselors, enabling them to design more effective career guidance programs that align with the needs of the local population (Nasir, 2025).
Statement of the Problem :
In Giwa LGA, Kaduna State, inadequate career counseling services have emerged as a significant barrier to students making informed decisions regarding their future in STEM fields. Despite the growing demand for professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, many students lack access to comprehensive guidance that can help them understand the vast opportunities and requirements of these disciplines. The current career counseling infrastructure is often characterized by limited resources, insufficient training for counselors, and a lack of integration with school curricula. These shortcomings have resulted in students receiving minimal or outdated career advice, leading to poor alignment between their academic interests and potential career paths (Bello, 2024). Consequently, there is a noticeable gap in the number of students pursuing STEM careers, which in turn affects the local and national workforce in high-demand sectors. Educators and policymakers are concerned that without effective career counseling, students may be ill-prepared for the challenges of the modern labor market. Furthermore, the absence of structured career guidance often leads to misinformed decisions, underemployment, or a complete disinterest in STEM fields. This study seeks to address these issues by investigating the current state of career counseling in Giwa LGA, identifying the key barriers to its effectiveness, and exploring its impact on students’ career choices. Through a detailed analysis of the perceptions and experiences of both students and career counselors, the research aims to propose strategies for enhancing career guidance services that are tailored to the unique socio-economic context of Giwa LGA (Sani, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
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To evaluate the current effectiveness of career counseling services in Giwa LGA.
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To identify challenges that hinder effective career guidance in STEM education.
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To recommend strategies for improving career counseling to better support STEM career choices.
Research Questions:
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What is the current impact of career counseling on students’ decisions to pursue STEM careers in Giwa LGA?
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What are the main challenges affecting the delivery of effective career guidance services?
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How can career counseling services be improved to better align with the needs of students aspiring to enter STEM fields?
Research Hypotheses:
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H1: Effective career counseling positively influences students’ choices to pursue STEM careers.
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H2: Inadequate career counseling resources are negatively correlated with students’ career decision-making.
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H3: Integrating comprehensive career guidance into the school curriculum improves STEM career enrollment.
Significance of the Study :
This study is significant as it evaluates the role of career counseling in shaping STEM career choices in Giwa LGA. The findings will assist educational stakeholders in developing targeted career guidance interventions that align with local labor market needs. Enhanced career counseling can empower students to make informed decisions, thereby improving STEM enrollment and contributing to a skilled workforce. The insights gained will be critical for policy formulation and the development of sustainable career guidance programs (Yusuf, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
Limited to the topic only.
Definitions of Terms:
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Career Counseling: A support service that provides guidance on educational and career decisions.
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STEM Career Choices: Decisions made by students regarding pursuing professions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
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Giwa LGA: A local government area in Kaduna State with specific challenges in career guidance services.
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