Background of the Study
Guidance counselors play an essential role in shaping the academic and personal development of students, particularly those with disabilities. In Kano Municipal LGA, Kano State, these professionals are integral in providing both emotional support and academic guidance to help students overcome the challenges associated with disabilities (Hassan, 2023). Their roles extend beyond mere career counseling; they are tasked with identifying learning barriers, offering remedial advice, and liaising between educators, parents, and specialized support services. With an increasing number of students with disabilities enrolling in mainstream schools, the demand for effective counseling has grown. Cultural expectations and societal challenges further underscore the importance of guidance counselors in fostering an inclusive educational environment. The evolving educational policies in Kano Municipal emphasize holistic development, yet the practical implementation of guidance counseling services often lags behind policy ideals (Mustapha, 2024). Moreover, the counselors’ ability to address diverse student needs is affected by factors such as high student-to-counselor ratios, limited professional development opportunities, and a lack of specialized training in disability support. These issues create a gap between the intended benefits of guidance counseling and the realities experienced by students. As a result, many students with disabilities may not receive the tailored support necessary to thrive academically and socially. This study aims to critically assess the role of guidance counselors in supporting these students, examining their contributions to academic performance, emotional well-being, and overall school adjustment. By evaluating the challenges and successes within current counseling practices, the research intends to propose recommendations for enhancing service delivery, thereby bridging the gap between policy and practice in Kano Municipal (Garba, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the crucial role of guidance counselors in supporting students with disabilities, numerous challenges impede their effectiveness in Kano Municipal LGA. A major problem is the high counselor-to-student ratio, which limits individualized attention and compromises the quality of guidance provided. Many counselors lack specialized training in addressing the complex needs of students with disabilities, resulting in less effective support services (Hassan, 2023). Additionally, inadequate funding and bureaucratic constraints hinder the implementation of comprehensive counseling programs. This situation is further exacerbated by cultural stigmas that may discourage students and families from seeking necessary support. The gap between the expected role of guidance counselors and the actual services provided creates significant barriers to academic and personal growth for students with disabilities. Moreover, the absence of standardized protocols and regular professional development opportunities results in inconsistent counseling practices. Consequently, the intended benefits of guidance counseling—such as improved academic performance, enhanced emotional resilience, and better career planning—remain largely unfulfilled. This study seeks to identify and analyze the factors that limit the effectiveness of guidance counseling in Kano Municipal. By addressing these systemic and practical challenges, the research aims to propose actionable strategies for improving counseling services, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the comprehensive support they need to succeed both academically and socially (Mustapha, 2024; Garba, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
To examine the current role of guidance counselors in supporting students with disabilities.
To evaluate the effectiveness of counseling services in addressing academic and emotional needs.
To recommend strategies for enhancing guidance counseling practices.
Research Questions
What are the primary functions performed by guidance counselors for students with disabilities?
How effective are current counseling services in meeting these students’ needs?
What challenges hinder optimal delivery of guidance counseling in Kano Municipal?
Research Hypotheses
Effective guidance counseling is positively correlated with improved academic performance.
Specialized training of counselors enhances the quality of support provided.
High counselor-to-student ratios negatively affect counseling outcomes.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it highlights the critical role of guidance counselors in supporting students with disabilities in Kano Municipal. By identifying challenges and proposing practical improvements, the research aims to enhance counseling services, thereby contributing to more inclusive and supportive educational practices. The findings will benefit educators, policymakers, and counseling professionals, ultimately fostering better academic and emotional outcomes (Hassan, 2023; Mustapha, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to examining the role of guidance counselors in supporting students with disabilities in Kano Municipal LGA, Kano State. It focuses on counseling practices, challenges, and potential improvements, excluding other student support services.
Definitions of Terms
Guidance Counselor: A professional who provides academic, career, and emotional support to students.
Students with Disabilities: Learners who require additional support due to various impairments.
Counseling Services: Structured support programs aimed at enhancing student well-being.
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