Role of Guidance Counselors in Promoting Vocational Education in Cross River State Secondary Schools

This study examined the role of guidance counselors in promoting vocational education among secondary school students in Cross River State, South South Nigeria. Despite being recognized in Nigeria's National Policy on Education as essential school personnel, many guidance counselors in Cross River State lack the capacity, resources, and institutional mandate to effectively advocate for vocational career pathways. The study used a descriptive survey design, with data collected from 180 guidance counselors and 600 students across 30 secondary schools in six local government areas. Instruments included the Counselor Role Effectiveness Scale (CRES) and a student vocational awareness questionnaire. Results showed that counselors who actively organized career workshops and individual counseling sessions on vocational options significantly increased student interest in technical and vocational careers. However, counselor-to-student ratios were alarmingly high in most schools, averaging 1:350, which severely limited outreach effectiveness. The study recommends urgent recruitment of additional counselors, specialized training in vocational guidance, and institutional support for annual vocational career fairs. School administrators should create dedicated time in the school timetable for group counseling activities focused on vocational awareness. These findings underscore the strategic importance of well-resourced guidance services in reversing declining enrolment in vocational education programmes. Keywords: guidance counselors, vocational education, Cross River State, career counseling, secondary schools.