The Federal Government has reiterated its stance that social work practice has come to stay in Nigeria as its practitioners have evidently worked tirelessly in making the society better.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Developmemt, Mrs Nko Esuabana made the submission in her address to celebrate the 2026 sociall work day in Ebonyi organised by the Department of Social Work, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nasow and Amsow Ebonyi state chapter and local governmental service commission.
Esuabana noted that the FG recognizes the efforts of social work practitioners in advancing human dignity, societal cohesion and community wellbeing.
The permanent Secretary said that the social development policy for Nigeria (1989) mandated the FG to establish the National Council for Social Work Education, to set standards for certification and registration of social work practioners.
“Nigeria in 2022,, provided a functional legal framework for social work practice in Nigeria through the efforts of states and non state actors.
“In realising the importance of a legal backing for an effective and qualitative practice of social service workforce in Nigeria, the federal ministry of women affairs urges other social work focal ministries and stakeholders; to support a bill for the establishment of the Nigerian Council for social work.
“This is in consideration of the importance of a regulatory body for the development and proper placement of the social work profession coupled with the fact that the bill focusses on regulating the conduct of practitioners who are providing welfare services to vulnerable Nigerians,” she said.
Prof. Friday Onwe, Head of Social Work Department, EBSU said the occasion re-inforces social workers’ commitment to the ethical principle of dignity, solidarity and empowerment of people to overcome adversity.
“This occasion is a reminder to uphold the fundamental principles of social justice, human rights and dignaty for all especially when they come under attack.
“As we navigate an increasingly complex world–facing challenges from environmental crises to societal inequality, the need for skilled, ethical and compassionate social workers, has never been greater.
“The world recognises your unwavering commitment to building a better, more equitable future.”
He noted that social work is not just a profession but an agent of hope and positive change.
The Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of the institution, Prof. Nkechi Emma–Echiegu thanked the university for helping us realise our dream of making the unit a full department come true and it has gotten full accreditation for the next five years.
“We started with a dilapidated building given to us by the university but it presently ranks among the best departmental offices in the institution.
“We have grown in leaps and bounds and judciously utilsed all assistance received, to become what we are presently.
“The department has started a disability agency in the university, where our students identify and assist their physically challenged colleagues as part of their field work practicuum.”
Goodwill messages were delivered on the occasion by the Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria (AMSWON) Association of Social Work Educators of Nigeria (ASWEN) and the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASow) Ebonyi State Chapter.
Goodwill messages were also delivered at the occasion by the Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The theme of the event was : “Co–Building and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite A Divided Society.
An Igbo Social Worker and Key Note Speaker at the occasion, Prof. Uzoma Okoye, called on sociall workers to work with genuine solidarity across borders, sectors and communities.
“That way, we can achieve the harmonious and peaceful society we desire.”
Dr Godwin Odo, a Child Protection Specialist with UNICEF harped on the Nigerian Council for Social Work Establishment Act of 2022.
“This act shall promote the practice of social work in the country and uphold utmost professionalism among its practitioners.
“It shall also regulate and control social work practice in the country.”
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