Functional Education Without Counselling and Guidance Services

This paper argues that Guidance and counselling services are essential for achieving functional education in Nigeria. The paper employed a systematic review of literature to highlight the critical gap created by the absence or inadequacy of guidance and counselling services in schools. Functional education equips individuals with relevant, employable skills necessary for personal development and societal contribution. However, without integrated counselling services, students are left unguided in making educational and career choices, contributing to high rates of unemployment, underemployment, and skill mismatches. The paper explores the impact of inadequate counselling on students’ career development, academic achievement, and mental health, warning of potential consequences such as increased dropout rates and poor career decisions. The existing literature reveals a significant deficiency in the current education system due to the neglect of guidance services. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for embedding counselling services across all educational levels to support national workforce development. Without urgent reform, Nigeria risks continued economic stagnation and social instability fueled by a generation unprepared to meet the demands of a competency-driven workforce.