𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

19𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 2026

The ECOWAS Parliament has called for the strengthening of guidance and counselling services in secondary schools across West Africa, underscoring their vital role in students’ academic, emotional, and career development.

The regional lawmakers made the call during deliberations on education reforms, stressing that effective counselling systems are essential to addressing the growing behavioural and psychological challenges among young people.

They observed that students across the sub-region are increasingly exposed to social pressures, career uncertainty, and mental health concerns, making structured support systems within schools more necessary than ever.

According to the Parliament, education must extend beyond academic instruction to include life skills, emotional intelligence, and ethical values, noting that these can only be effectively delivered through well-equipped and professionally managed counselling units.

The advocacy aligns with broader education reforms being promoted by the Economic Community of West African States, which continues to push for improved funding, policy harmonisation, and enhanced standards across member states.

Lawmakers also urged governments in the region to institutionalise counselling departments in schools, recruit qualified personnel, and integrate career guidance into national curricula.

Meanwhile, education stakeholders in Nigeria have echoed similar concerns, linking the absence of structured counselling systems to rising cases of substance abuse, cultism, truancy, and poor career choices among students.

Experts maintain that functional counselling units would better equip students to manage academic pressure, resist negative peer influence, and make informed career decisions.

“Education should not only focus on academics but also on the social and emotional well-being of students,” a lawmaker said during the session.

The Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to promoting holistic education across West Africa, urging member states to prioritise policies that support student welfare and long-term human capital development.