The Dawn of E-Counseling in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges

With the advent of internet services and its spread to every facet of life, the counselling profession is not left behind. The application of computer technology to counselling procedures is gradually creeping into every society and resisting change in Nigeria, will leave us behind. The traditional face to face, office visits will be partially disappearing with time though not entirely replaced by computerized counselling known as e-counselling or online counselling. E- Counselling as a functional approach to the counseling profession, should be embraced by every country. This approach is welcomed in developed countries for its relevance and Nigeria is expected to join the band wagon. This paper therefore explains the concept of e-counselling and the characteristics of the consumers. It highlights the benefits that can be accrued from this mode of counselling and x-rays how it works. Furthermore, it discusses the issues and challenges facing its inception in Nigeria. It is also the concern of the paper that any establishment or licensed counsellor that wants to use e-counselling should consider issues as competence of the counsellors, counsellees, the qualities of the counsellors that can engage in e-counselling amongst others. In conclusion, the paper suggests some recommendations for the way forward.