English for specific purpose perspective: Identifying English language needs of guidance Counseling Nigerian Students

This study investigated the perceptions of teacher educators regarding the English language needs of Guidance and Counseling (G&C) students in Nigeria. The research involved 327 academic staff from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) and Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE). Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Data were collected using a validated 18-item “Teacher-Educators Questionnaire on English language needs of guidance Counseling Nigerian Students” (TOENGC). The instrument’s reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.85. Findings revealed a strong consensus among educators on the importance of specialized English language skills for G&C practice, including field-specific vocabulary, academic writing, and intercultural communication. Challenges in addressing these needs included large class sizes, varying student proficiency levels, and inadequate curricular focus on English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The study also identified effective strategies for enhancing language development, such as integrating ESP principles and using authentic materials. Based on these findings, it is recommended that specialized ESP curricula be developed and implemented in G&C programs, incorporating field-specific language instruction and practical communication exercises to better prepare students for their future professional roles.