Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling is one of the most important fields in the education sector, playing a key role in shaping learners’ emotional, social, academic, and psychological well-being. If you dream of becoming a counselor, educational psychologist, school therapist, student advisor, or guidance expert, this course is the perfect match for you.In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know about studying Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling in Nigeria, including:
- JAMB subject combination
- O’level (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) requirements
- Direct Entry requirements
- JAMB cut-off mark
- Duration of the course
- Universities offering the programme
- Postgraduate qualifications
- Career opportunities
- And more
This article is written to be friendly, clear, searchable on Google, and helpful for students, parents, teachers, and education consultants.
1. Overview of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling
Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling is an interdisciplinary professional programme that integrates psychology, counseling, human development, and education.It focuses on:
- Understanding how people learn
- Studying behavior, cognition, emotions, and motivation
- Guiding students through academic challenges
- Helping individuals cope with personal, social, emotional, and career issues
- Providing mental-health support in schools and organizations
- Helping students make informed choices about careers and future goals
Counselors and educational psychologists are needed in schools, universities, hospitals, correctional centers, rehabilitation homes, NGOs, HR departments, clinics, community centers, and many other places.
2. JAMB Subject Combination for Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling
To study Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling in any accredited Nigerian university, you must choose the correct subjects in your UTME (JAMB) examination.
Compulsory JAMB Subjects:
- Use of English (mandatory for all courses)
- Biology or Economics or Government or History
- Any two (2) Arts or Social Science subjects, such as:
- Government
- Economics
- CRS/IRS
- Literature in English
- Geography
- Civic Education
- Social Studies
Recommended JAMB Subject Combination
A strong and generally accepted combination is:
- Use of English
- Biology
- Government
- Economics or Literature in English
This combination is accepted by 95% of Nigerian universities that offer the course.
3. O’Level Requirements (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB)
To be admitted into Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, you must have at least five (5) credit passes in your O’level results.
Compulsory O’Level Subjects:
You must have credit passes in:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology or Health Science
- Government or Social Studies or Civic Education
- Any other Arts or Social Science subjectsuch as:
- Economics
- Literature in English
- History
- CRS/IRS
- Geography
Important Notes
- A minimum of 5 credits in not more than two sittings is required.
- Some universities also accept NABTEB for education courses.
4. Direct Entry (DE) Requirements
If you are applying for Direct Entry (200 Level), you must meet one of the following requirements:
A. NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education)
- Candidates with NCE in Education or related fields such as Psychology, Social Studies, Biology, or Guidance and Counseling with at least Merit or Upper Credit are eligible.
B. OND/HND
- OND or HND holders in relevant fields such as:
- Social Work
- Public Administration
- Mass Communication
- Community Development
may be accepted, depending on the university.
C. A-Level / IJMB / Cambridge
Candidates must have passes in two major subjects, preferably:
- Government
- Biology
- Economics
- Psychology
- Sociology
D. First Degree Holders
Candidates with a B.Sc or B.Ed in related fields may also be admitted.
5. JAMB Cut-Off Mark for Educational Psychology, Guidance & Counseling
The official JAMB cut-off mark varies by institution, but most universities use:
Minimum JAMB Cut-Off Mark: 160
However:
- Highly competitive universities may require 180 – 200
- State universities may accept 160 – 170
- Colleges of Education (COEs) may accept 120–140 (for NCE in Guidance & Counseling)
Post UTME Scores Matter
Even if you meet the JAMB cut-off, you must perform well in:
- Post UTME screening
- O’level grading
- Admission ranking
Therefore, aim for 200+ in JAMB for better chances.
6. Duration of the Course
The amount of time you will spend studying depends on your entry mode:
| Entry Type | Duration |
|---|
| UTME (100 Level) | 4 years |
| Direct Entry (200 Level) | 3 years |
| NCE to Degree (where accepted) | 3 years |
7. Universities Offering Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling in Nigeria
The following Nigerian universities offer the course (B.Ed or B.Sc Ed):
Federal Universities
- University of Ibadan (UI)
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
- University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
- Federal University of Education, Kano
- University of Benin (UNIBEN)
- University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
State Universities
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Delta State University (DELSU)
- Ekiti State University (EKSU)
- Kwara State University (KWASU)
- Imo State University (IMSU)
- Abia State University (ABSU)
- Benue State University (BSU)
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU)
Colleges of Education (NCE in Guidance & Counseling)
- FCE Zaria
- FCE Kano
- FCE Abeokuta
- FCE Obudu
- Adeyemi College of Education
- COE Oju
- COE Agbor
- COE Ekiadolor
8. Postgraduate Requirements for Educational Psychology, Guidance & Counseling
After your first degree, you may want to pursue postgraduate studies.
A. Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE or PGD Ed)
Requirements:
- First degree (B.Sc/B.A) with at least Third Class
- HND with Upper or Lower Credit
- O’level with 5 credits
- NYSC certificate or exemption
This is ideal for graduates who did not study education but want to become licensed teachers or counselors.
9. Master’s Degree Requirements (M.Ed, M.Sc Ed, MSc, MA)
To pursue a Master's in Educational Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Guidance & Counseling:
Requirements:
- A minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2)in:
- Education
- Psychology
- Guidance and Counseling
- Sociology
- Human Development
- Social Work
- Professional certificates may be helpful but are not compulsory.
- NYSC certificate or exemption.
- Transcript submission.
Duration:
- 1–2 years full-time
- 2–3 years part-time
Master's Specializations
- Counseling Psychology
- Clinical Counseling
- School Counseling
- Career Counseling
- Marriage and Family Counseling
- Child Development
- Educational Psychology
- Human Development
10. PhD Requirements (Doctor of Philosophy)
For a PhD in Counseling Psychology or Educational Psychology:
Requirements:
- A relevant Master’s degree (M.Ed, M.Sc Ed, MSc, or MA)
- Minimum of 3.50 CGPA on a 5.0 scale
- Research proposal
- Academic writing samples
- Transcript and NYSC certificate
PhD Duration
- 3–5 years full-time
- 5–7 years part-time
11. What Students Learn in the Course (Curriculum Overview)
Students are trained in practical counseling, psychological testing, behavioral assessment, and educational interventions.
Sample Courses:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Guidance Principles
- Counseling Theories
- Behavioral Psychology
- Adolescent Development
- Educational Statistics
- Mental Health in Education
- Psychotherapy
- Marriage Counseling
- Career Development
- Special Needs Education
- Group Counseling
- Practicum & Internship
12. Skills You Will Develop
Graduates become skilled in:
- Problem solving
- Emotional intelligence
- Research and analysis
- Human behavior understanding
- Interviewing techniques
- Listening and communication
- Empathy and compassion
- Conflict resolution
- Child and adolescent management
- Crisis intervention
13. Career Opportunities for Graduates of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling
Graduates have access to a wide range of job roles in education, healthcare, social work, psychology, and human development sectors.
A. Educational Sector
- School Counselor
- Guidance Counselor
- Student Affairs Officer
- Behavioral Support Specialist
- Special Education Assistant
- Learning Support Consultant
- Academic Adviser
B. Clinical & Mental Health Sector
- Mental Health Counselor
- Child Psychologist (with extra certification)
- Rehabilitation Therapist
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Community Counselor
C. Corporate Sector
- Human Resource Officer
- Training & Development Manager
- Employee Wellness Consultant
- Workplace Counselor
D. Government Agencies & NGOs
- Social Welfare Officer
- Human Development Specialist
- Programs Coordinator
- Youth Empowerment Advocate
E. Private Practice
Graduates can set up:
- Counseling centers
- Educational consulting firms
- Career coaching services
- Mentorship academies
F. International Opportunities
Counselors and educational psychologists are needed in:
- Canada
- USA
- UK
- Australia
- UAE
- South Africa
14. Why You Should Study Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling
This course is suitable for students who:
- Love helping people
- Enjoy psychology and human behavior
- Want to work in schools, hospitals, or organizations
- Want a stable, respected and fulfilling career
- Are patient, empathetic, and good listeners
The field is growing rapidly worldwide due to increased awareness of mental health and the need for guidance in schools and workplaces.
15. Challenges You May Face as a Student
Like every professional course, you may face some challenges such as:
- Emotional stress from helping people
- Large workload during practical counseling sessions
- Internship and practicum requirements
- High expectations from students and clients
- Need for continuous professional development
However, these challenges can be overcome with passion, training, and experience.
16. Salary of Educational Psychologists and Counselors in Nigeria
Salaries vary based on sector and location, but generally:
Public Schools: ₦70,000 – ₦150,000/month
Private Schools: ₦80,000 – ₦250,000/month
Universities: ₦150,000 – ₦350,000/month
NGOs & International Agencies: ₦300,000 – ₦800,000/month
Private Practice: ₦200,000 – ₦2,000,000/month (depending on clients)
17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Educational Psychology and Guidance & Counseling a good course?
Yes. It is respected, in high demand, and offers global career opportunities.
2. Does the course require science subjects?
Not strictly. Biology is recommended but not compulsory for all universities.
3. Can I work in hospitals after studying this course?
Yes, especially as a counselor or mental-health support staff.
4. Is it a professional course?
Yes, especially at postgraduate level.
Conclusion
Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling is one of the most impactful and rewarding courses in Nigeria today. Whether you dream of becoming a counselor, school psychologist, career coach, or mental-health advocate, this programme equips you with the skills to change lives and build a meaningful career.By understanding the JAMB subjects, O’level requirements, Direct Entry conditions, cut-off marks, universities offering the course, and the career opportunities, you now have a complete roadmap to begin your journey.
