Best University to Study Guidance and Counselling in Nigeria

The field of Guidance and Counselling has become an essential course that influences the academic, personal, and professional lives of individuals and students. In a country such as Nigeria, where the issues of mental health, career guidance, and academic challenges are on the rise, the need for trained counselors is more crucial than ever. The course teaches students how to evaluate human behavior, provide emotional support, and offer direction for their careers. The right college to study this program will ensure the right training, strong supervision, and access to useful tools. This guide outlines the best universities for studying Guidance and counseling for students in Nigeria to be used in the academic year 2025.

Here are the following criteria for choosing the Best University to study Guidance and Counselling in Nigeria for the 2025 academic year:

Faculty experience and accreditation status.

Counseling practicums are available as well as student clinics.
Quality of the curriculum and current teaching tools.
Research outputs in counseling and mental health.
Employability and success of graduates in NGOs, schools, and clinics.

Top 10 Universities to Study Guidance and Counselling in Nigeria:

Table of Contents

1. University of Ibadan (UI)

The University of Ibadan, situated within Oyo State, provides an extensive Guidance and Counselling program that is part of its Faculty of Education. The university is focused on the assessment of behavior, counseling, psychotherapy, career guidance, and therapeutic abilities. Students receive practical training through fieldwork and also work with centers and schools.

Why Choose UI?

The oldest school with a strong education tradition.
Expert lecturers in the field of psychology and behavioral science.
Centers for student counseling can be used as practical sessions.
Alumni who work in the key health and education sectors.
There are many options for postgraduate studies in the fields of counseling.

Characteristics of Teaching at UI

Training hands-on in real-world situations of counselling.
Utilization of tools for psychological testing.
Participation in community and school outreach.
Participation in group therapy as well as peer education.
Research has proven to be beneficial in mental and emotional wellness.

UI is the best choice for professional counsellors who are planning to work in Nigeria.

2. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

UNILORIN, situated in Kwara State, offers an efficient and affordable guidance and counselling program. It is renowned for its academic stability. The school offers a solid theoretical foundation and field experience by way of school tours, peer counseling, and supervised internship placements.

Why Choose UNILORIN?

A stable academic calendar without frequent strikes.
School counseling facilities that are functional for instruction.
Practical guidance for students with a focus on learning.
Affordable tuition and accommodations.
A strong faculty with a wealth of educational psychology knowledge.

Characteristics of Teaching at UNILORIN

The use of both international and local models of counseling.
Workshops and seminars are regularly scheduled regarding mental wellness.
Education in vocational, educational, and individual counseling.
ICT tools for simulations of counseling.
Student reports on team-based practices.

UNILORIN is the perfect choice for students looking to learn consistently with a deep exposure to practical learning.

3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

UNN, which is located in Enugu State, runs one of the most effective guidance and Counselling departments in the world. Students are taught how to deal with problems with behavior, academic challenges, and career advancement through modern counseling techniques and research-based instruction.

Why Choose UNN?

The rich history of education, as well as counselling research.
The fieldwork is conducted by professionals who work in rehabilitation centers and schools.
Clinics of guidance and counselling to allow hands-on training.
Faculty with international and local counseling expertise.
Accredited by NUC and highly rated by employers.

Characteristics of Teaching at UNN

Learning through practical experience in Community outreach programmes.
Student-led exercises in counseling.
The use of psychological evaluation and testing equipment.
The curriculum covers ethics and multicultural counseling.
Modern classrooms include video analysis equipment.

UNN provides a broad and practical counseling degree.

4. University of Lagos (UNILAG)

UNILAG offers a contemporary Research-based Guidance and Counselling program within the Faculty of Education. Students receive training in school counseling and family therapy, youth mentoring, and educational assessment. Students also have the ability to access counseling services located on campus.

Why Choose UNILAG?

Urban area with strong industry connections.
Modern teaching tools and software for counseling.
Access to wellness for students and the guidance centers.
Internships at NGOs and educational institutions.
Highly evaluated for professional development training.

Characteristics of Teaching at UNILAG

Regular supervision by licensed counsellors.
Education in academic, personal, or career counselling.
The focus is on testing psychological and diagnosing.
Practices in groups and on an individual basis.
Helpful teaching through case studies and role-play.

UNILAG is a great option for students looking for urban exposure as well as practical skills in counseling.

5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

It is located within Ile-Ife, Osun State, OAU provides a full Guidance and Counselling program that is designed for students who are interested in both the clinical and educational aspects of. The program provides instruction in the art of conflict resolution through peer mentoring, as well as emotional therapy.

Why Choose OAU?

The legacy of excellence in education in Nigeria.
Faculty with strong experience in child psychology.
Opportunities to intern at clinics and schools.
A special emphasis is placed on emotional and cognitive development.
Blend of modern and traditional techniques for counseling.

Characteristics of Teaching at OAU

Workshops and field trips.
Lectures that are enriched by scenarios and case studies.
Concentrate on counseling techniques that are based in schools.
Outreach programs led by students for emotional well-being.
The training is based on a lab and is designed to help with counseling diagnostics.

OAU produces graduates with rounded skills, prepared for academic as well as therapy positions.

6. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria

ABU Zaria, located in Kaduna State, provides a renowned Guidance and Coaching program that is focused on the development of children and adolescents’ mental health. The university provides students with the skills needed for counseling for families, as well as academic counseling and the management of conflict through classes and fieldwork.

Why Choose ABU Zaria?

One of Nigeria’s oldest and biggest universities.
Reputation for excellence in the field of teacher education and development.
Practical training in counseling labs as well as schools.
Affordable tuition and an extensive reach throughout the North.
Accredited for community-based counseling initiatives.

Characteristics of Teaching at ABU Zaria

Theoretical and balanced training, as well as practical counseling.
School placement for students or therapy facilities.
Counseling rooms are available for training simulations.
Cultural influences on mental health.
Highly skilled lecturers on crisis and trauma intervention.

ABU Zaria is a leading alternative for students who want to pursue career paths in field-based and academic counseling.

7. University of Jos (UNIJOS)

In Plateau State, UNIJOS is a cutting-edge Guidance and Counselling Program that focuses on community wellness and education. The department focuses on the counseling of children’s education psychology, as well as the development of emotional intelligence.

Why Choose UNIJOS?

Strategically placed in Northern and Central Nigeria.
Active participation in advocacy for mental health.
Partnerships with religious groups.
Modern counselling techniques are incorporated into the curriculum.
Research and outreach.

Characteristics of Teaching at UNIJOS

Role-play and group counseling.
The emphasis is on education based on values and mentorship.
On-site counseling sessions are available for students and the general public.
Clinical supervisors who have been trained to supervise practical supervision.
Lectures are enhanced by practical experiences and seminars.

UNIJOS prepares students to be competent school counselors and advocates for mental health.

8. Delta State University (DELSU)

DELSU The University, which is based at Abraka, Delta State, provides practical guidance and a Counselling program specifically designed for the southern region’s educational as well as social requirements. The curriculum includes assessment of career prospects along with behavior management, as well as emotional therapy for support.

Why Choose DELSU?

Make sure you are focusing on real-world problems in the school environment.
Participation in school counseling activities for secondary schools.
Accredited by NUC, expert psychology lecturers.
Effective and cost-effective education, with solid mentoring.
Practical and internship work is integrated into the course.

Characteristics of Teaching at DELSU

Utilization of local cases and role-playing in classrooms.
Field visits to rehabilitation and correctional centers for rehabilitation and correctional.
Education in the field of drug abuse and issues for adolescents.
Tests and psychometric instruments in labs for students.
The team is focusing on child counseling.

DELSU is a fantastic alternative for students who want hands-on learning within the South-South.

9. Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)

Located in Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, AAUA is well-known because of its strong Education Faculty, comprising Guidance as well as Counselling. The department offers instruction in personal development, as well as community counseling.

Why Choose AAUA?

Innovative learning environment with a tranquil setting.
The curriculum is aligned with the national standards for counseling.
The training is for both community and school counselors.
Regular contact with professionals from the mental health field who are visiting.
The counseling practice is supervised by qualified supervisors.

Characteristics of Teaching at AAUA

Student counseling clinics that focus on hands-on engagement.
Interactive lectures that include real-life counseling scenarios.
Psychometric tests and personality testing.
Training in group and individual therapy.
Stress and emotion control.

AAUA is the ideal choice for those who want a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical applications in counselling.

10. Ekiti State University (EKSU)

EKSU, situated within Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, offers a complete and user-friendly guidance and counseling program. The school is renowned for its qualified counselors who work in ministries, schools, and NGOs across Nigeria.

Why Choose EKSU?

Accessible and affordable Program accessible and affordable in Southwest Nigeria.
Experience hands-on counseling within local educational institutions.
Solid foundation in the field of developmental and behavioral psychology.
Faculty members who are supportive and resourceful.
A good postgraduate option for future specialization.

Characteristics of Teaching at EKSU

Regular school-based assignments for practicals.
Peer counseling labs, as well as ethics-based training.
Academic support for development and defence.
The lectures focus on the development of youth and the different learning styles.
Social and emotional health counseling units.

EKSU provides quality education, readily available resources, and extensive practical experience for students studying counseling.

Conclusion

Guidance and counseling is a vital course that Nigerians can take to ensure their educational and mental health development. It can be found in rehabilitation centers or private counseling, and qualified counselors create an impact that lasts. The universities listed above provide excellent educational programs, practical training, and pathways to lucrative career paths. By choosing the right university, you gain the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to support others and grow professionally. Start your journey by enrolling in one of Nigeria’s top guidance and counseling programs in 2025 and develop a career that is grounded in compassion, direction, and the need to achieve.