EXPLORING THE EFFICACY OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ENHANCING GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study explored the efficacy of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in enhancing guidance and counselling services in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with three key objectives: assessing the extent of GAI application by counsellors, evaluating its perceived efficacy, and identifying implementation challenges. The study involved 150 professional counsellors from federal and state universities, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the researcher-developed "Generative AI in Counselling Services Questionnaire (GAICSQ)," validated by experts, with a reliability coefficient of 0.84 established via Cronbach's alpha. Findings revealed low GAI adoption (grand mean = 2.02), despite strong agreement about its efficacy (grand mean = 3.47), particularly for identifying at-risk students and administrative efficiency. Major challenges included infrastructural deficits (e.g., unstable electricity, mean = 4.12), funding gaps (mean = 3.87), and skill shortages (mean = 3.56). The study concludes that while GAI holds transformative potential, systemic barriers hinder its integration. Recommendations include institutional investments in infrastructure, targeted training programmes, and policy frameworks to support ethical GAI adoption in student support services.