CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study
Since Nigeria Republic has established their independence after the colonization, many good developments took place, both in the structure and functioning of society, of which, educational system is no exception. In Nigeria, the system of education seems to undergo a never-ending reform. “As the reformation progresses,” It is not surprising that not only children and parents but also educational authorities are getting confused and do not know how to cope with the need of making choices in an increasingly complex system of education. One of important need of Nigeria education is to take note of the academic performance of our students’ in other to have a standard and well-functioning of the society.
Academic performance which is the extent in which a student, teacher or institution has achieved their short or long-term educational goals is reflected through Cumulative GPA and completion of educational degrees such as High School and Bachelor's degrees. It can also be refers to a child’s success and performance in school and can be measured by grade point averages, as a cluster of achievement tests or, using specific tests for reading or arithmetic skills, such as reading speed, fluency and comprehension, and the ability to solve logical/arithmetic problems (Joseph , Karol , Peter  and Marek , 2016).
Throughout the nations such as Nigeria, great concern is being expressed about how poorly children are performing on tests in mathematics, reading and science. The future of every nation depends on a citizenship who knows how to participate in the democratic process educated and trained for the job market. Hence the need for academic procedure that is well seasoned with competent Guidance and Counseling services as early as possible at every step of academic exercise. Studies have it that private Secondary schools’ education financial commitment does not improve students’ performance on achievement tests per se. Really, what matters is teaching quality, and not availability of school equipment and infrastructure. Hence, the need for seasoned educators to acquaint self with the actual components of academic performance which encompass:
The current Academic Performance in Africa according to a report by Olu Adenipekun (2017), Head of National Office of the West African Examination Council, WAEC, announced the cheering news of a seven percent improvement in the number of candidates that passed the examination with five credits. Last year, that is 2016, 52.9 percent of the candidates recorded the feat. The number jumped to 59.22 percent this year (2017), out of the 1,559,662 candidates that sat for the examination. He said that 923,486 of the 1,559,162 candidates that sat for the examination obtained a minimum of credits in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics. Giving a further breakdown of the results, the WAEC boss said that 1,084,214 candidates, representing 69.94 per cent, obtained credits and above in six subjects.
The question one may ask encompass what factor could have responsible for such percentile increase? Could this be associated with the impacts of guidance and counseling which governments tend to be floating in most secondary school? If such be the case, counseling becomes essential needs for better academic performance.  These questions, therefore, call for the assessment of the purpose and the availability of G&C services that could have responsible or contribute to this minute change in the present Nigerians’ WAEC result. Hence, the need to consider the purpose of G&C and its’ visible impacts on students’ academic performance.
Purpose of Guidance and Counseling
Providing the needed information & assistance
Helping in individual to make wise choices
Improve the understanding of self
Facilitate the adjustment
Helps in adapting to the changes or new environment
Making self-sufficient & independent Efficient use of capabilities & talent
Promote the optimal personal & professional development
Balanced physical, psychological, emotional, social & spiritual growth
Helps in overall development & to live productive life
Recently, Guidance and Counseling has actually recorded ample achievements such as, helping in the academic growth & development, vocational & professional maturity, Facilitating individuals in the right education & profession, offering help to handle educational & professional situations, helping in the proper utilization of human resources and in adapting to the changing concept of education. Also, in preparing to adapt in changing professional situations & emerging challenges and in making proper career choice with minimize indiscipline.
As suggested by the researcher findings, high-quality counseling services can have long-term effects on a child’s well-being with academic performance inclusive, and can prevent a student from turning to violence and drug or alcohol abuse behaviors. High-quality school counseling services can as well improve a student’s academic achievement. Existing Studies on the effects of school counseling have shown positive effects on student’s grades, reducing classroom disruptions, and enhancing teachers’ abilities to manage classroom behavior effectively. Similarly, High-quality school counseling services can help to address students’ mental health needs.” (U.S. Department of Education, 2002)