Internship in Counsellor Training: A Missing Gap in Counsellor Preparation in Nigeria

Abstract

Counseling in Nigeria emerged as a needed school service and counselor preparation tend to produce counsellors who will work in schools. In the preparation of counsellors, the trainees are exposed to two-six weeks practicum exercise where the trainees have to go on practicum twice a week. This is the picture especially in the preparation of counsellors at the first degree level. At the master’s degree level, some institutions provide for a six week intensive practicum exercise in any site of trainee’s choice. The picture is not so different at the Ph.D level. There is no provision for proper internship. Given the importance and benefits accruable from having internship component in counselor preparation, this paper calls for its inclusion in the training of counsellors in Nigeria.