THE ROLES OF COUNSELLING CONNOISSEURS IN PROMOTING UNITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract This study examined the roles of counselling connoisseurs in promoting unity in Nigeria. Three hypotheses were tested in the study. The study employed a descriptive survey method. A total of 460 respondents participated in the study. The purposive sampling technique was adopted to select five out of the six geo-political zones based on population and location. Two states were randomly selected in each of the five geo-political zones. The major instrument was tagged “Roles of Counselling Connoisseurs in Promoting Unity Questionnaire (RCCPUQ)” was used. Data collected were analyzed. The findings revealed that the major roles of counselling connoisseurs in promoting unity include advocacy visits male and female counsellors differed in their opinion on the roles of counsellors in national integration; the educational qualification of the respondents influenced their views and respondents also differed based on the years of service. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made; that the counselling experts in Nigeria should have representatives in every committee inaugurated by the Government to focus and assist people in areas faced with national crisis in order to provide the required counselling services to the people in such areas. The Federal government should give the counselling profession the maximum encouragement and support in order for them to be able to participate in national issues that can promote unity. School counsellors should enlighten the students on the need for unity and integration among Nigerians. Seminars and workshops should be organized by counsellors in collaboration with the government, Non-Governmental Organizations and other stakeholders in order to discuss and tackle contemporary issues on National unity and stability.