Conflict Resolution Skills Among Secondary School Guidance Counsellors in Kwara State

This study assesses the conflict resolution skills of guidance counsellors and their effectiveness in managing interpersonal conflicts among secondary school students in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Interpersonal conflict among adolescents, if unresolved, escalates into aggression, psychological distress, and academic disruption, underscoring the need for competent counsellor intervention. The study employs a descriptive survey design, involving 100 guidance counsellors and 280 SS2 students from twenty secondary schools across Ilorin East, Ilorin West, and Ilorin South Local Government Areas. The Conflict Resolution Behaviour Assessment and a student-rated counsellor effectiveness scale were used as instruments. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation, t-tests, and multiple regression. Results indicate that counsellors with advanced conflict resolution training, specifically mediation, negotiation, and active listening skills, are rated significantly more effective by students in resolving interpersonal disputes. However, a large proportion of counsellors lack structured training in conflict resolution beyond basic counselling certification. Schools with formally designated peer mediation programmes reported lower frequencies of escalated conflict incidents. Female counsellors and those with more than ten years of experience showed stronger conflict resolution competence scores. These findings call for the upgrading of conflict resolution skills training within guidance counsellor professional development frameworks. The Kwara State Ministry of Education is urged to mandate regular conflict resolution skill workshops for all active school counsellors and to formalise peer mediation as a school-wide support system. Keywords: conflict resolution, guidance counsellors, secondary school, Kwara State, adolescent mediation.