(1927) APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES IN COUNSELLING SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

摘要

All sectors of Nigerian economy now find solace in the application of information and computertechnologies in delivering quality and prompt services. Educational sector is one of the sectors wheretechnology application is being embraced. One of the areas where technology is being applied is inthe provision of psychological services to youths and children in the areas of educational, sociopersonaland vocational developments. The applications of information and computer technologies incounselling and psychological guidance although critical, must be carried out minding the ethicalimplications especially in university and college counselling centres. One way to ameliorate the dangerin application of information and computer technologies in counselling service delivery is to firstunderstand how the specific system or device functions. Knowing how technology works is crucial inevaluating how best to protect the information that may pass through it. There are a number ofobvious examples of unacceptable disclosure that counsellors should avoid, such as conversationsconcerning clients on cell phones and others. It is paramount that counsellors using information andcomputer technologies in service delivery to keep abreast of improved technologies that may reducethe associated risks at reasonable cost. Counsellors are under obligations to discuss with clients therisks inherent in the use of Internet and other information and computer technologies facilities andabide by the clients' wishes regarding preferred methods of communication. There is evidence thatmany counselling centres in Nigerian universities adopt computer technologies in keeping records.However, in other countries of the world information and computer technologies offer more than recordkeeping. There are virtual counselling, e-counselling, online counselling and e-therapy which areflexible, accessible and convenient. The interactive features of websites have also provided greateropportunity to offer help using technically mediated platform to the students. The mobile phone, socialmedia and e-mail, alongside face-to-face facilities such as Skype and teleconferencing are usefulplatforms that support both individual and group counselling. This study therefore examined the rate ofadoption, prospects and challenges of information and computer technologies in counselling servicedelivery in Nigerian universities. Survey design was adopted and forty universities were randomlyselected across six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The distribution revealed that 50% were federaluniversities, 30% state universities and 20% private universities. The finding revealed that all theuniversities sampled adopted information and computer technologies in keeping records while only10% used information and computer technologies facilities to book appointment with the clients. Thestudy concluded that the application of information and computer technologies in counselling deliveryin Nigerian universities is still marginal. Numerous factors are responsible for this development. Theseinclude low level of skills on the part of staff and students, shortage of electricity supply, limited accessto internet etc. It was recommended that government and other regulatory bodies should come up withpolicy that will mandate application of information and computer technologies in counselling centresbecause of its numerous advantages.