INCLUSIVE COUNSELING AS A VIABLE INSTRUMENT FOR PROMOTING PEACE AND STABILITY TOWARDS ACADEMIC ATTAINMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined inclusive counselling as a viable instrument for promoting peace and stability towards academic attainment of secondary school students in Lagos State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Population comprises of all secondary schools in Ibeju Lekki Local Government in Lagos State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select five (5) Secondary schools in Ibeju Lekki Local Government in Lagos State in which thirty (30) students were randomly selected from each of the chosen school to make a total of one hundred and fifty (150) as sample for study. Two (2) research questions were raised and answered in this study. Reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha and data collected was analyzed using simple percentage, mean and standard deviation statistical tools. The research findings revealed that, counseling services play a major role in enhancing social and emotional adjustment among the students in secondary schools in order to promote peace and enhance their academic attainment. Also, counselling unit helps in promoting psychosocially behaviour among the students in secondary schools. In addition, it can be concluded from the findings that guidance and counselling services in secondary schools are paramount in modifying students' behaviour through assisting students control their emotions such as fear and anger thus creating a harmonious environment for students to stay and learn. It is therefore recommended that Ministry of Education in each state should enforce the establishment of counselling centers in both public and private secondary schools. The principals should employ professional counsellors and discard the use of career masters in schools.