Guidance And Counselling: An Indispensable Tool in The Training of Teachers for Nigerian Basic Education

Abstract

Teachers have multiple roles to perform. In fulfilling their roles professionally, teaches need to facilitate learning of students through guidance and counselling services so that students can avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the school environment to harness learning situations within and outside the classrooms. One important role every teacher is required to perform is helping learners to acquire knowledge, skills and values which cumulatively translate into cultural heritage in schools, colleges, universities and other institutions. Since no nation can rise above the quality of its teachers, the provision of well-planned and well-executed guidance and counselling services in teacher education programmes in Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) awarding institutions is a major requisite for Nigeria's national development. This paper examines the guidance and counselling curriculum of the Nigeria Certificate in Education programme and contends that a broader and functional guidance and counselling programme (consisting of theory and hands-on practical activities) is required in all NCE teacher training institutions. Consequently, the paper recommends full-time employment of professional guidance counsellors who would provide both theory and hands-on experiences to teacher trainees in all Colleges of Education nationwide.