THE ROLE OF COUNSELLING IN ENHANCING GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY IN NIGERIA

Both higher education and graduate labour market are changing rapidly; the transition from education into employment is not a straight forward matter. This paper examined the role of counselling in enhancing graduate employability in Nigeria. It traces the origin of Guidance and counseling n the Nigerian educational system with particular emphasis on vocational guidance, career counseling and enterprise education. The issues of employment and employability of graduates of Nigeria educational Institutions were examined. It was strongly advocated that vocational guidance, career counselling and enterprise education be inte- grated into the curriculum of educational institutions as a way of enhancing the employability ofour teeming graduates by equipping them with complementary life skills needed to survive in the labour market. It was therefore recommended among others that guidance counselors be given every opportunity and encouragement necessary to contribute towards enhancing graduate employability in the country.