The value of counseling in the educational field has been underlined by the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
At a meeting with LASTVEB and the heads of counseling units in each of the education districts at the TESCOM office in Ikeja, this point was emphasized.
Mr. Akinwande Festus, Director of TESCOM’s Teacher’s Welfare Department, welcomed counselors to the meeting on behalf of Mrs. Bopo Oyekan Ismaila, Permanent Secretary of TESCOM. He explained that the goal of the meeting was to improve cooperation between TESCOM, the Heads of Counseling Units of all six Education Districts, and LASTVEB in order to address the prevalence of unexpected deaths as well as issues related to staff members’ emotional and psychological well-being.
Additionally, it served as a means of alerting the Directors to the various health opportunities in the State.
In addition to expressing gratitude for the counselors’ work and restating the Lagos State Government’s dedication to the welfare of educators, Akinwande reminded the counselors that their role encompasses more than just helping students; it also includes teachers and non-teaching staff, particularly those who are dealing with emotional and psychological difficulties.
He pointed out that contemporary counseling aims to meet each person’s unique needs by combining therapy, everyday care, and proactive intervention for a healthy lifestyle, all of which eventually result in higher productivity.
In order to avoid stigmatization and false information, he recommended counselors to handle cases with strict confidentiality because many teachers endure psychological agony, stress, and some suffer in silence.
He also suggested that counselors maintain discretion in their work and refrain from needlessly disclosing private information to coworkers.
Before going to TESCOM, he advised counselors to keep a watchful eye on their surroundings and properly escalate problems from the school level to the Tutor General or Permanent Secretary.
The purpose of the first meeting is to tell LASTVEB and Education District Head Counselors about their actions, difficulties, and pertinent information that TESCOM should be aware of.
During the meeting, counselors promised to keep working with TESCOM to protect the health of teachers and kids throughout the state.
