Needs Assessment of Guidance Services in Schools as a Method for Achieving Quality Education in Nigeria: An Exploration Study

Abstract

The researchers conducted this study in order to establish a case for the use of needs assessment of guidance services as a means of achieving quality education in Nigeria. They contacted 84 professional counsellors in Ilorin, a typical Nigerian metropolis, in order to gather data on their perception of the importance of certain guidance services in secondary schools. They also determined the actual level of services rendered in schools. The instrument used for collecting the necessary data was titled “Guidance Service Rendered to Students Questionnaire” GUSRESQ. The findings indicated a need to use needs assessment of guidance services for obtaining higher levels in the quality of education. The findings also indicated that practicing counsellors perceive counselling service and information service as the most important.

Key Words: Academic programme evaluation; counselling; educational standards; guidance services; needs assessment.