Counselling Key to Addressing Students’ Behavioural, Academic Devt – ASUBEB Boss

By Praise Chinecherem

Executive Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr Vera Nwadinobi has stressed the importance of guidance counselling in addressing students’ behavioural and academic issues early in their development.

Nwadinobi stated this at the inauguration of Counsellors, Para-councillors and Integrity Club in the 1,070 primary school in the state.

The event was organised by ASUBEB in collaboration with the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON).

Nwadinobi said selection of Para-councillors among teaching staff to address behavioural needs of the learners was informed by dearth of professionally trained Counsellors in primary schools.

“Para-councillors provide complementary roles to professional counsellors in the provision of guidance services to learners.

“Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody is watching, including being accountable, taking responsibility for your actions, all of which are embodied in positive value system,” she added.

Nwadinobi urged Integrity Club members to help identify and address integrity issues in schools by promoting ethical behavior, positive values and peer support in the fight against corruption.

“The Inauguration of counselling practice and Integrity Club in primary schools is a way of creating awareness and responsiveness to the prevailing societal vices.

“It will empower children to advocate for good behavior and good governance from a very young age,” she said.

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh urged counsellors and para-counsellors to demonstrate love and empathy in their guidance of students.

She described primary education sector as the foundation for a child’s future, stressing that child’s training required joint efforts of both parents and teachers.

“Guidance counsellors play a crucial role in the personal, academic and social development of children, especially within educational and formative environments.

”Counsellors and Para-councillors should therefore, show love and empathy in guiding the students,” she said.

Also speaking, lawmaker representing Anaocha Constituency II in the state Assembly, Mr Ejike Okechukwu said counsellors, para-councillors and the Integrity Club have much role to play in re-directing students.

Okechukwu who chaired the occasion expressed optimism that students would receive proper guidance on how to navigate issues and challenges they may face during their education.

“I believe we will see meaningful improvements in the character development of our students at the basic education level.

“I encourage counsellors to balance compassion with discipline in guiding children’s growth,” he said.

In his remarks, National President of CASSON, Prof. Ike Ifelunni, represented by Chairperson , Anambra Chapter, Dr Ndidi Okeke, charged the counsellors to discharge their duties with integrity and compassion.