By: Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Chairman of Salem Schools Group, Chief Ojo O. Flex, has called for the reintroduction of Guidance and Counseling units in both public and private schools to help harness and develop the potential of children from an early age.
Speaking to National Update during the Salem Schools Career Day held at Takur Aduwa in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, Chief Ojo stressed the urgent need to bring back professional counseling structures within schools. He said this would support students in identifying and pursuing future career paths based on their talents and interests.
He explained that the Career Day was organized to hear directly from the children about their future ambitions and to encourage them to begin preparing early for successful lives.
“Guidance and counseling units are essential for encouraging, preparing, and directing students toward careers that match their interests and abilities. Doing so will provide a platform for discovering and nurturing their God-given talents—for the benefit of the children, their communities, and the country at large,” he said.
During the event, several pupils and students shared their career aspirations. Many expressed a desire to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, security personnel, and farmers.
A Primary Five pupil, Yaseer Bashir, said, “I want to be a soldier to defend my country. I want to deal with Boko Haram and those trying to cause trouble through agitation for Biafra.”
Zulaihat Sambo, a Nursery One pupil, said she wants to be a doctor “to save lives and give patients injections.”
A Primary Two pupil stated his dream of becoming a successful farmer: “I want to produce food to feed the nation and become the richest man in the world.”
A Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3) student expressed her desire to become a teacher. “My parents are teachers, and I want to be like them,” she said.
Chief Ojo concluded by urging education stakeholders to prioritize the reintegration of counseling services in schools to help guide future generations.