Guidance and Counselling Services as a Coping Strategy for Inculcating the Consciousness of Peace, Conflict Resolution and National Security among Secondary School Youths in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on the role of guidance and counselling services as coping strategy for inculcating the consciousness of peace, conflict  resolution and national security among secondary school youths’ in Anambra State. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The proportionate random sampling technique was used in selection of 50% of 127 counsellors, out of 254 guidance counsellors in the 254 public  secondary schools within the six education zones in the Anambra State. A questionnaire designed on a 4 Likert type scale was used in the study.  Data was analyzed using frequency distribution, mean score (), grand  mean and standard deviation (SD). Among the findings and the results revealed that effective utilization of G/C services inculcated in the youths’ the spirit of consciousness that promoted peace, conflict resolutions and national security owing to the fact that there are challenges to effective  utilization of G/C services in the school as highlighted in the study. From the findings of the study recommendations were proffered which include that there should be adequate funding and support of G/C   services/activities in the secondary schools by the federal, state and local governments and other financial institutions; there must be sufficient funds for the provision of equipments, infrastructure and facilities for G/C services in the school; school administrators should effectively support G/C activities in the school and also ensure that adequate time is allocated for  counsellors and students; likewise constant and continuous staff training, retraining and development programmes should be encouraged in order to build the capacity of counsellors.