Abstract
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.
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.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s10447-010-9109-x
- Authors
- Olusegun F. Adebowale, Department of Educational Foundations and Counseling, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Bayode I. Popoola, Department of Educational Foundations and Counseling, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Journal International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling
- Online ISSN 1573-3246
- Print ISSN 0165-0653