Awareness of Entrepreneurship Opportunity among Preservice Counsellors in Kwara State, Nigeria: Implications for Career Counselling

Abstract

The study investigated awareness of entrepreneurship opportunity among preservice counsellors in Kwara State. Descriptive design was employed for them study with the population of 7,693 and simple random technique was used to select 402 respondents for the study from the targeted population. The instrument was a researcher-designed questionnaire, titled: “Awareness of Entrepreneurship Opportunity AmongPreservice Counsellors Questionnaire” (AEOPCQ). The reliability was ascertained by using test-retest method with a coefficient of 0.88. The data collected were analysed using frequency and percentage, t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed a low level of awareness (75.6%) among preservice counsellors regarding entrepreneurship opportunity in the counselling profession in Kwara State, while 24.4% had received education or training on counselling entrepreneurship. Findings showed further that there were no significant differences in the awareness of entrepreneurship opportunity among preservice counsellors in Kwara State based on gender and level of education. However, there was a significant difference in the awareness of entrepreneurship opportunity among preservice counsellors in Kwara State based on age. The study however concluded that there were few pre-services counsellors aware of the career opportunities in counselling profession. Based on the conclusion and findings of the study, it was recommended that there is need for integration of entrepreneurship education into counselling programmes in Kwara State to equip preservice counsellors with the necessary knowledge and skills. Also, mentorship programmes and practicum/internship opportunities should be established in schools to pair preservice counsellors with experienced counselling entrepreneurs, providing guidance and support.