Equipping Tertiary Institutions Students for the World of Work in Nigeria: Implications for Guidance Counselling

Abstract

The transition from tertiary institution to the world of work has become an increasingly challenging Nigeria due to changes in the labour-market demands, technological advancement, graduates skills mismatch, limited employment opportunities and the growing importance of employability and non cognitive skills competences. Tertiary institutions are expected to equip students with knowledge and skills for productive participation in the society. The possession of academic qualifications alone does not necessarily guarantee successful transition for employment in the world of work. The paper therefore discussed the challenges confronting tertiary institutions in equipping of students with the requisite knowledge, skills and competence for the world of work. The paper further emphasised on the pivotal role of guidance and counselling in assisting students to develop the competencies required for successful transition into the world of work, through the acquisition of employability skills, work readiness competencies, and essential soft skills development. In view of the issues discussed, proffered suggestions were made: Counselling programmes should be integrated into students’ academic experiences rather than offered only when students encounter problems. Institutions should organise regular workshops on communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, leadership, problem-solving, application writing, interview techniques, workplace etiquette, digital skills, and career planning