Challenges of technology mediated approach to counselling in the National Open University of Nigeria

Abstract

The main thrust of this paper is to identify impediments militating against the provision of quality guidance and
counselling services through technologically mediated approach in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The current trend all over the world points on how transformation of counselling from mechanical phases to digital
phases, which will enhances quick and quality service delivery. NOUN as University has 63 professionally qualified
counselling psychologists with minimum qualification of Master’s degree, and also it is the largest single employer of
counsellors in Nigeria. Also, the Student Counsellors in NOUN have the obligation of providing support services to
distance learners from the first enquiry through to graduation. This paper discussed the concept of open and distance
education as it applies to Nigeria, the mission statement of NOUN, the learner support services, guidance and
counselling services in NOUN, information and communication technology in education, advantages of using
computer and internet facility for counselling an open and distance education, counselling services from first enquiry
through graduation of studying in ODE that could be offered through the internet, challenges of guidance service
delivery in NOUN made incisive recommendations on how to improve technology mediated guidance service delivery.