Abstract

This study investigated motivation and guidance counsellors' performance in selected public secondary schools in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. It adopted a descriptive survey research design of an ex-post facto type. Three research hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Research questionnaire was administered to sixty-seven (67) guidance counsellors that were purposively selected. Data were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Regression statistical methods. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between counsellors’ job performance and motivation in ensuring quality education in secondary schools. Intrinsic motivation accounted for 15.9% of the variance in the counsellors’ performance, while extrinsic motivation accounted for less than 8% of the variance in the counsellors’ performance. It was therefore, concluded that the importance of motivation in the day-to-day performance of employees cannot be overemphasized, especially when it comes to being rewarded for a job done and being happy on the job. Motivation does not just affect counsellors’ job performance; it also impacts counsellors’ accountability positively, and promotes their work attitude, efforts, and effectiveness.