ANALYSING THE TRAINING OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS IN CAMEROON UNIVERSITIES: THE CASE OF THE HIGHER TECHNICAL TEACHERS' TRAINING COLLEGE (HTTTC) KUMBA

Abstract The work of guidance counsellors has been criticized by many observers over the years in many secondary and high schools in Cameroon, thus arousing some questions about their training. There have been many emerging problems like the growing phenomenon of drug abuse, poor knowledge of new forms of jobs which should be integrated into career counselling, idling guidance counsellors and many others in Cameroon schools. This paper assesses the training of guidance counsellors in Cameroon universities with the specific case of HTTTC Kumba to see if this training and practice could solve emerging problems. Hence, it is to appraise the quality of teaching; to analyse the practical training and to evaluate the quality of examination given to guidance counselling trainees in HTTTC Kumba. There has been the use of questionnaires and a significant analysis of literature to get both qualitative and quantitative data. The target population comprised the 276 recently graduating (2023) and former trainees of the department of guidance counselling of HTTTC Kumba. A sample of 120 trainees was selected for interview using snowballing. Data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics using the Chi- Square. The quality of teaching, practicals and the standard of examination is significantly high. However, more emphasis has to be put on job execution and attitudes towards the job in the field so as to meet emerging challenges. More rigour should also be placed on examinations so that candidates produce their optimum in knowledge and skills. Keywords: Training, Guidance counselling, quality of teaching, practical training, standard of examination, emerging problems