Role of Information and Communication Technology in Counselling Practicum for Trainee Counsellors in Nigeria: Implications for Practice in a Digitalizing Society

In this paper, the roles and implications of Information Communication Technology (ICT) competency for trainee counsellors during counselling practicum in Nigeria was evaluated. Literature review showed that computers and smartphones are widely applied in client communication, scheduling, note-taking, and recording of session, while traditional audio-visual tools were grossly underutilized. Sufficient and consistent application or utilization of ICT competency promotes practicum efficiency, aids reflective supervision, encourages telecounselling, and access to mental health services becomes better, particularly in areas that are undeserving. However, inadequate competency leads to low productivity, trainee anxiety, risks in ethical conduct, and misalignment with contemporary values. The main challenges that were discovered are insufficient infrastructure, curriculum gaps, urban-rural digital divide, and inadequate training that are ethical under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). This study recommends reforms in curriculum, investment in infrastructure, mandatory workshops or seminar in ICT, and modern supervision skills to produce competent and ethically sound counsellors with the ability to meet the Nigeria’s needs in a digitizing society