The stakeholders in the Social Work profession have declared that the absence of the council to regulatory social work practice is undermining the growth and progress of the profession in the country.
The stakeholders made this declaration in a communique issued at the end of a strategic meeting convened by Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), in collaboration with its affiliate professional bodies such as Association of Social Work Educators in Nigeria (ASWEN), Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria (AMSWON) and Institute of Social Work in Nigeria (ISOWN).
The meeting held in Abuja was aimed to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the practice of social work in Nigeria, with particular focus on the regularization of the Nigerian Council for Social Work.
The meeting was attended by Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, President of NASoW, Mrs Esther Nasara, General Secretary of NASoW, Professor Alamveabee Idyorough, President of ASWEN), Professor James Ayangunna, National Secretary of ASWEN, Mr. Kayode Ogedengbe, National President of AMSWON and Daniel Ellu, National General Secretary of AMSWON.
Recall that the Nigerian Council for Social Work Establishment Act 2022 provides that there should be a council that will regulate Social Work progression in the country but the council has not been constituted nor inaugurated as at the time of filing this report.
The stakeholders in the communique made available to journalists on Wednesday, appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the welfare packages of his administration meant for the Nigerian vulnerable population.
The stakeholders then expressed deep concern over the non-regularization of the Nigerian Council for Social Work, since the Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment) Act was signed into law in 2022 by former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
The stakeholders in the communique lamented that this delay has created a vacuum in the regulation and coordination of professional social work practice across the country.
“After extensive deliberations and professional engagement, the following resolutions were reached and unanimously adopted:
“Urgent Need for Council regularization. The meeting expressed deep concern over the non-regularization of the Nigerian Council for Social Work, since being ascented to, the Social Work (Establishment) Act in 2022. This delay has created a vacuum in the regulation and coordination of professional social work practice across the country.
“Collective Appeal to the Federal Government. The leadership of NASoW, ASWEN, and AMSWON, called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to urgently make operational, the Council in accordance with the provisions of the Act, to ensure that the regulatory framework envisioned by the law is operationalized.
“Impact of Non-operation. The absence of the Council undermines the growth, recognition, and regulation of social work practice in Nigeria. It is affecting the standardization of education as well as training, licensing of practitioners, and monitoring of ethical practices across various sectors including health, education, justice, and humanitarian services.
“Commitment to Collaboration and Advocacy. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the professional bodies to working collaboratively in promoting the social work profession in Nigeria. It resolved to intensify advocacy and constructive engagement with relevant government authorities until the Council is formally operational.
“Call to Action. All stakeholders including policy makers, the media, and the general public are called upon to support this cause which seeks to enhance the delivery of essential social services, protect the vulnerable, and promote national development through professional social work practice.
“This communique is issued in the spirit of unity, professionalism, and commitment to national service by the leadership of the undersigned bodies”.
