Popoola, Bayode (2011)

This study examined the prospects and challenges of online guidance and counselling services at the Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife, Nigeria. It considered students' views on the nature of and preferences for online services, and the problems thatmight potentially be presented in that context. It also surveyed staff in regard to assessing the human and material resourcesavailable for offering such services. Two hundred students were selected by random sampling at the eight cybercafés on theUniversity campus. Also, one hundred staff members were purposively selected, consisting of technical experts, trained counsellorsand other academic and non-academic staff members. Data were collected through separate questionnaires for students and staffon the ‘Prospects of Online Guidance and Counselling services at OAU’. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, RelativeSignificance Index, factor analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed that students identified potential online guidanceand counselling needs as being mainly related to academic/educational interests; specifically, career planning, problem-solvingskills and acquiring effective study skills. Sexual issues as well as dating and relationship issues came last on the listof the 12 potential online counselling needs identified. Most of the students (89.5%) had favourable perceptions towards thepossible establishment of online guidance and counselling services in the University. Results from staff responses identifiedsome significant limitations in terms of current human and material resources, with these needing to be rectified if the Universitywas to offer online counselling and guidance services.KeywordsOnline counselling–Computer technology–Nigeria–University students