Top Career Counselling for High School Students in Nigeria

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High school often referred to as “secondary school” in Nigeria is a significant part of life. At this point, students start to create the foundation for future success. Most importantly, self-discovery, experimentation, and transition from childhood to adolescence are of primary concern in this stage of life.

Also, from some research findings, high school education has significant effects on students’ career aspirations, achievement in academics, and social skills. As much as high school is important, there lies some confusion in the minds of students just like the person I will be introducing you to.

Meet 17-year-old Aisha, a would-be final-year high school student from Lagos, Nigeria who isn’t sure about the career path she wants to follow.

“I’m so confused,” Aisha says while sitting on her bedroom floor crowded with college brochures and career guides. “My parents want me to study medicine, but I’m not sure that’s what I’m supposed to be doing. I’ve got a passion for art, but they think it’s not a stable career.”

The problem is far from unique because this is a problem faced by many high school students in Nigeria. But with inadequate career counselling, most of these students are thus left to fend for themselves.

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The Challenges of Career Counselling in Nigeria

Nigerians often lament the theoretical rather than the practical approach to teaching in most public secondary schools (high schools), which leaves students unprepared for life after school. As a result, many students have an unconceived idea of how to make informed career decisions.

Also, many schools lack objective, personalized counseling, leaving students with options that may not be the best fit for their needs.

Meet 19-year-old Emmanuel, who graduated from high school and still has to engage the services of an admission officer to find a course to study at the university.

“I studied arts in high school, but I’m not sure if that’s for me,” he said, sitting in the plethora of courses to pursue in Lagos. “I’ve been applying to different schools, but I haven’t gotten any responses. It’s like I’m stuck.”

This is enough to prove that Emmanuel needs help; then again, students continue to graduate from secondary schools without being equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the world of work.

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Top Career Counselling Approaches for High School Students in Nigeria

So what is the answer? Good career guidance would do it. Given below are the best approaches to counselling students on a career focus as it relates to high school students in Nigeria:

1. Passion-Centred Counselling

Passion-centred counselling, which can also be referred to as “interest-based counselling, is about identifying interests and passions in students and linking them to possible avenues within careers.

Meet 18-year-old Nneoma, a high school student who has an interest in fashion designing.

“I have always enjoyed fashion, but I didn’t know if I could make a career out of it,” Nneoma, a student in a fashion design class, says. “But then I met with a career counsellor who helped me explore my interests and passions. Now I am confident that I want to pursue a career in fashion design.”

2. Counselling Based on Strengths

This approach focuses on identifying the strengths and abilities of students and using them to shape career choices.

Meet Chukwuma, a high school graduate of 19 years who recently searched for any job.

“I studied business, which was a subject I loved in high school, but I’m not sure if that’s what I want to do,” says Chukwuma, sitting in a job market in Lagos. “But then I met with a career counsellor who helped me identify my strengths and talents. Now, I’m really confident that I want to pursue a career in entrepreneurship.”

3. Counselling Through Career Assessment Tools: Top Career Counselling for High School Students in Nigeria

With the assistance of these career assessment tools, such as personality tests, skills assessment tests, etc., the student can discover possible career paths.

Meet Ada, 17, a high school girl lost in confusion about what career path to take.

“I’m not yet sure what I will do with my life,” Ada declared, sitting inside a career counselling office. “But then I took a career assessment test that really helped me identify my strengths and what I would love to do. I’m now thinking of becoming an engineer.”

4. Mentorship Programs

This approach provides students an avenue to relate with professionals in their aspiring fields, which would often lead to valuable advice and insights.

Meet Kehinde: an 18-year-old student in high school interested in medicine.

“I want to be a doctor, but I’m not sure if it’s really for me,” Kehinde said, sitting in a hospital waiting room. “But then I met with a doctor who mentored me and showed me what it’s like to be a doctor. I am now more convinced than ever that I want to pursue a career in medicine.”

5. Real-life Exposure

Exposing students to practical experiences through internships or job shadowing can facilitate their experiential learning and informed career decisions.

Meet 19-year-old Amaka, a high school graduate who is not able to find a proper job.

“While in high school, I was active in computer science classes. Acing my grades and practicals, but I’m not sure if that’s what I want to do,” Amaka says while seated in the office of a tech company. “But then I did an internship here and realised that this is what I want to do. I gained hands-on experience and learnt from professionals in the field.”

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Conclusion On Top Career Counselling for High School Students in Nigeria

Career counselling proves to be very productive for high school students in Nigeria. Interest-based, strength-based counselling, the use of career assessment tools, mentorship programs, and real-life exposure will expose students to being guided and mentored into wise career choices.

As such, we should not expect students to succeed in their chosen careers if they lack the necessary tools and resources.

Again, it is difficult to find a real expert career counsellor for wholly personalised services, who will also be understanding of the needs of these high school students struggling to find their path in life, whilst in Nigeria, there still exist a very few like Fasthire that have professionals who can guide you through the different career counselling approaches in making your road path bright.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Is Career Counselling?

Career counselling is the process of helping individuals identify and explore their career goals and aspirations.

2. Why Is Career Counselling Important For High School Students?

Career counselling is important for high school students because it helps them make informed decisions about their future careers and educational pursuits.

3. What Are Some Common Challenges Faced By High School Students In Nigeria?

High school students in Nigeria face a range of challenges, including limited access to resources and opportunities, societal pressure to pursue certain careers, and a lack of exposure to different career paths.