INFLUENCE OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING ON CAREER CHOICE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ATIBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

This study investigates the influence of guidance and counselling services on the career choices of secondary school students in Atiba Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria. The research addresses the challenges students face in making informed career decisions and the role that school-based guidance programs play in shaping their future aspirations. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 100 students selected through simple random sampling across private and public schools. The instrument used was a structured questionnaire titled “Career Choice Questionnaire (CCQ),” which was validated and tested for reliability. Findings reveal that guidance and counselling services significantly enhance students’ awareness of career paths, strengthen their confidence in decision-making, and align their interests and abilities with potential careers. The study also found that although most students acknowledge the importance of these services, there are gaps in accessibility and utilization. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between gender and career choice, but there was a significant difference between class level (JSS III and SSS I) and career decision-making. The study therefore, concludes that effective guidance and counselling are pivotal to improving career outcomes and recommends were made by integrating counselling services more systematically into the school curriculum, with trained personnel and adequate resources.