THE IMPACT OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAMS ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT IN ETUNG LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ABSTRACT The study investigates the impact of Guidance and Counseling Programs on Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement in Etung Local Government Area. Four variables were used to formulate four research questions and hypotheses. Literature review was carried out based the sub-independent variables of the study. The population of the study comprises 160 students selected from four secondary schools in the study area. Simple Random Technique was employed in the sampling technique. One hundred and sixty (160) respondents were used for the study. The research instruments used for the data collection was a questionnaire validated by lecturers in Test and Measurement, University of Cross River Sate. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used in analyzing the data obtained from the respondents. The results show that there is significant relationship between participation in study groups and student’s academic achievement. There is significant relationship between academic coaching programs and student’s academic achievement. There is significant relationship between peer mentoring programs and students’ academic achievement. There is significant relationship between stress management and students’ academic achievement. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that educational authorities and schools in Etung Local Government focus on strengthening and expanding the existing guidance and counseling programs, with a particular emphasis on the promotion of study groups, academic coaching programs, and peer mentoring initiatives can be encouraged and expanded to enhance students' academic achievement. These programs have shown positive associations with improved academic performance and provide students with valuable resources for academic support.