PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLORS ROLES IN CHANGING MALADAPTIVE BEHAVIOUR AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, OGUN STATE

There is no gainsaying that professional counsellors through their technical knowhow are the doctors that can resuscitate the innate and acceptable behaviour in our deviant youths. This can happen when given recognition to the crucial roles of youths in relation to their tertiary education achievements to the nation building. This study investigated the role of professional counsellors in tackling maladaptive behaviour for the enhancement of academic performance of our youths in selected tertiary institutions in Ogun State. Two research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted by the researchers. One hundred and fifty students were randomly selected from three public tertiary institutions, (University, Polytechnic and College of Education) in Ogun State. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Data collected was analysed using both Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Chi Square statistical methods. The findings of the study revealed that there was significant relationship between maladaptive behaviour and students ’ academic performance. Also, the levels of professional counsellors' involvement in counselling activities in tertiary institutions are not fell significantly. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that counselling centres in tertiary institutions should be equipped to function effectively in providing necessary services to assist those with maladaptive behaviour so as to improve their academic performance.