Prospects and Challenges of Online Guidance and Counselling Services in a Nigerian University

This study examined the prospects and challenges of online guidance and counselling services at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. It considered students' views on the nature of and preferences for online services, and the problems that might potentially be presented in that context. It also surveyed staff in regard to assessing the human and material resources available for offering such services. Two hundred students were selected by random sampling at the eight cybercafés on the University campus. Also, one hundred staff members were purposively selected, consisting of technical experts, trained counsellors and other academic and non-academic staff members. Data were collected through separate questionnaires for students and staff on the ‘Prospects of Online Guidance and Counselling services at OAU’. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Relative Significance Index, factor analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed that students identified potential online guidance and counselling needs as being mainly related to academic/educational interests; specifically, career planning, problem-solving skills and acquiring effective study skills. Sexual issues as well as dating and relationship issues came last on the list of the 12 potential online counselling needs identified. Most of the students (89.5%) had favourable perceptions towards the possible establishment of online guidance and counselling services in the University. Results from staff responses identified some significant limitations in terms of current human and material resources, with these needing to be rectified if the University was to offer online counselling and guidance services.