Inter-Disciplinary Journal of Science Education (IJ-SED) Vol. 6(1) Dec., 2024 67 WEB-BASED DIGITAL TOOLS AND ATTITUDE TO COUNSELLING AMONG FINAL YEAR STUDENTS OF PUBLIC TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA. Arop, Lucy Obil Ph.D lucyarop1@gmail.com Okoi, Margaret Innocent Ph.D margaretokoi68@gmail.com & Ameh, Enemadukwu David Ph.D enemadukwu90@gmail.com Department of Guidance and Counselling University of Calabar, Calabar Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate web-based digital tool and attitude to counselling among final year students of public tertiary institutions in Cross River State. To achieve the purpose of this study three null hypotheses were formulated and tested in the study. Literature review was done according to the variables under study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 400 students was selected for the study. The selection was done through the simple sampling technique. The questionnaire tilted “Web-based Digital Tool and Attitude to Counselling Questionnaire (WBDTACQ)” was the main instruments used for data collection. The instrument was subjected to face validation by the supervisor and experts in measurement and evaluation, University of Calabar. The reliability estimate of the instrument was established through Split-half reliability method. Population t-test and Simple regression analysis were the statistical analysis technique adopted to test the hypotheses under study to ascertain whether to reject or retain them. All hypotheses were subjected to testing at .05 level of significance. The results of the analysis revealed that, attitude to counselling among final year students is significantly high in the study area. Also that virtual counseling platforms and chatbots significantly predict undergraduates attitude to counselling. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that universities should strengthen awareness campaigns about the benefits of counseling services to reinforce students' positive attitudes. Keywords: Web-based digital tool, Virtual counseling platforms, Chatbots, attitude to counselling, students Introduction Counseling in public universities plays a crucial role in fostering students' academic, emotional, and social development. It provides guidance and support to students, helping them navigate personal challenges, career decisions, and mental health issues. The goal of counseling services in higher institutions is to equip students with coping mechanisms, enhance their self-awareness, and promote overall well-being, thereby improving their academic performance and personal growth. Counseling is defined as a professional engagement where trained individuals help clients understand and resolve personal, social, or psychological challenges (American Counseling Association, 2014). Counseling can take various forms, including career counseling,