An evaluation of the role of guidance and counseling in students' career choices in secondary schools in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State
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Background of the study
Guidance and counseling services in secondary schools are critical for shaping students’ career trajectories by providing necessary information, psychological support, and decision-making frameworks (Hassan, 2023). In Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, these services play a pivotal role in assisting students to navigate academic challenges and make informed choices regarding their future careers. The rapid changes in the global job market and the increasing complexity of career options have underscored the importance of structured career guidance. Schools that invest in robust counseling programmes enable students to identify their strengths, interests, and areas for improvement, thereby aligning their academic pursuits with future professional opportunities (Abdul, 2024). However, in many secondary schools in Jema’a LGA, guidance and counseling services are either underdeveloped or inadequately implemented, often due to insufficient funding, lack of trained personnel, and limited administrative support (Ibrahim, 2024). This inadequacy can lead to poor career decision-making and underutilization of students’ potential, ultimately affecting the socio-economic development of the community. Furthermore, the effectiveness of guidance and counseling is also influenced by cultural and social factors that shape students’ perceptions of certain careers. In many instances, students are pressured by familial expectations or societal norms, which may conflict with their personal interests and abilities. As a result, the alignment between students’ career choices and their intrinsic aptitudes remains suboptimal. This study aims to evaluate the current state of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools in Jema’a LGA and examine their influence on students’ career choices. By integrating both qualitative and quantitative data, the research will assess the challenges faced by guidance counsellors, the effectiveness of existing programmes, and the extent to which these services impact career decision-making among students (Chukwu, 2025). Ultimately, the study seeks to provide recommendations for improving guidance and counseling practices to foster better career outcomes and enhanced personal development among secondary school students.
Statement of the problem
In Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, the underdeveloped state of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools poses a significant barrier to effective career decision-making among students. Despite recognition of the importance of these services in shaping future career paths, many schools struggle to provide comprehensive counseling due to inadequate funding, insufficiently trained personnel, and limited infrastructural support. As a result, students often receive minimal career guidance, leading to choices that are misaligned with their skills, interests, and market demands (Hassan, 2023). This disconnect between available career guidance and student needs has been linked to increased career dissatisfaction, underemployment, and a general lack of preparedness for the evolving job market. Additionally, the absence of structured counseling services exacerbates the influence of external factors such as familial pressure and societal expectations, which can further skew students’ career choices. The resulting gap not only affects individual student outcomes but also has broader implications for the community’s socio-economic development. This study aims to identify the specific challenges that hinder the effective delivery of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools in Jema’a LGA. It will evaluate the impact of these services—or the lack thereof—on students’ career choices and overall academic performance. By investigating the barriers to effective counseling and the perceptions of both students and educators, the research seeks to provide actionable insights that can inform policy reforms and resource allocation strategies. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring that guidance and counseling programmes can meet the evolving needs of students, thereby enabling them to make well-informed career decisions that align with their potential and market realities (Abdul, 2024).
Objectives of the study
- To evaluate the current state of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools.
- To assess the influence of these services on students’ career choices.
- To recommend strategies for improving guidance and counseling practices.
Research questions
- What is the current status of guidance and counseling services in secondary schools in Jema’a LGA?
- How do these services influence students’ career choices?
- What improvements can be made to enhance the effectiveness of guidance and counseling?
Research Hypotheses
- H1: There is a significant relationship between the availability of guidance services and students’ career decision-making.
- H2: Insufficient counseling resources negatively impact students’ career choices.
- H3: Enhanced guidance programmes lead to better alignment between students’ interests and career paths.
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it examines the crucial role of guidance and counseling services in shaping students’ career choices in secondary schools. The findings will provide essential insights for educators, policymakers, and counselors in Jema’a LGA, highlighting the need for improved support systems and structured guidance programmes. By offering evidence-based recommendations, the study aims to enhance career decision-making processes, ensuring that students are better prepared to meet future professional challenges, thereby contributing to individual success and broader socio-economic development.
Scope and limitations of the study
This study is limited to evaluating the role of guidance and counseling services in influencing students’ career choices in secondary schools within Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State. It focuses on the effectiveness, challenges, and outcomes of existing counselling programmes. Limitations include potential response biases and the inability to generalize findings to other regions.
Definitions of terms
- Guidance and Counseling: Support services aimed at assisting students in making informed academic and career decisions.
- Career Choices: Decisions made by students regarding their future professional paths.
- Counseling Programme: Structured initiatives designed to provide psychological and career guidance to students.
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