Quality Assurance in Counselling Education: Strategies for Enhancing Nigerian Graduate Employability in A Globalized Economy

Abstract This study investigated the strategies for enhancing Nigerian graduate employability in a globalized economy, focusing on quality assurance in counselling education. The study adopted a mixed-methods design, combining survey data from Nigerian universities and counselling professionals with insights from international best practices. The population of the study consisted of counselling educators, practitioners, and graduates from Nigerian universities. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 300 respondents, including 100 counselling educators, 100 practitioners, and 100 graduates, from 10 Nigerian universities. A self-developed questionnaire, “Quality Assurance in Counselling Education Questionnaire” (QACEQ), was used to collect data. The QACEQ had a reliability coefficient of 0.85, indicating high internal consistency. Results in hypothesis one showed that there was a significant difference in the perceptions of counselling educators, practitioners, and graduates on the importance of quality assurance in counselling education (F (2,297) = 4.52, p < 0.05). Results in hypothesis two revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between quality assurance in counselling education and Nigerian graduate employability (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). The findings imply that quality assurance in counselling education is crucial for enhancing Nigerian graduate employability in a globalized economy. Based on the findings, the study recommends that curriculum reform to integrate soft skills, entrepreneurial training, and industry-relevant curricula; industry partnerships to provide work-integrated learning opportunities and career guidance; and ongoing professional development for counsellors to ensure they possess the necessary skills and competencies. The study concludes that quality assurance in counselling education is essential for producing graduates who are equipped with the skills and competencies required by employers in a globalized economy. By implementing the recommended strategies, Nigerian counselling education can be transformed to enhance graduate employability and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.