Student counselling services in a Nigerian University

Universities the world over exist to respond to the conditions of their environments. Thus universities in a multi-ethnic Nigeria are not only for the production of high level manpower but also for fostering national consciousness, cultural integration and unity as well as for producing in the students appropriate values and attitudes for psychologically healthy citizenry. The University of Ilorin, Nigeria, in its organizational structure and services recognizes its obligation for the facilitation of human development in its fullest capacity. The application of student counselling for the development of this whole person is viewed from the perspective of primary prevention. That is, student counselling is considered developmental rather than therapeutic and is aimed at assisting students to learn the techniques and skills involved in problem-solving and long-term planning. To this end, the University of Ilorin addresses itself to the dimensions of learning such as personal and interpersonal development, citizenship and leadership skills training apart from academic development. Services provided include admission, housing, advisement/counselling, health, social relations, sports, leisure-time activities and financial aids. Various units and committees of the university share in the responsibilities for rendering these services through provision of facilities and various informal learning opportunities for the production of psychologically matured citizenry for the Nigerian nation.