NSUK Professor Calls for Overhaul of School Counselling Framework
By Roseline Okafor, Nasarawa
The Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, has underscored the need for a deeper understanding of individuals as a foundation for effective teaching and leadership within Nigeria’s education system.
Prof. Liman, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Halima Doma Kutigi, made the call during the university’s 60th inaugural lecture held Wednesday at the Assembly Hall in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
She stressed that education must go beyond intellectual development to also address the emotional and psychological wellbeing of learners. “Before we can teach and lead effectively, we must understand our people,” she stated.
Delivering the inaugural lecture, Tunde Dayo Oke, advocated the integration of counselling into Nigeria’s national education policy, describing it as essential to addressing challenges within the school system and society at large.
In his lecture titled Understanding Individuals, Nurturing Aspirations, and Empowering Outcomes, Oke argued that counselling should be treated as a core component of education rather than an optional service.
He noted that effective counselling could help tackle issues such as poor academic performance, examination malpractice, substance abuse, and school dropout.
“There is a growing need to prioritise counselling services at all levels of education. Trained professionals should be allowed to focus fully on counselling without additional responsibilities,” he said.
The professor also highlighted the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges, emphasising that strengthening counselling structures would encourage more individuals to seek support.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Education at NSUK called for stronger institutional support systems to enhance students’ overall development.
In her remarks, Ngozi Azuka Osarenren of the University of Lagos, noted that counselling plays a critical role in national development by guiding students toward informed life and career decisions.
The event attracted academics, students, and other stakeholders, and sparked renewed calls for reforms to strengthen counselling frameworks across Nigeria’s education sector.
