AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
In a bid to fight quackery in their field of practice, the Nigeria Association of Social Workers has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to assent the Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment) Bill 2020.
Making the call at the opening of the association’s 38th Annual National Conference/ General Meeting, on Wednesday in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, was the NASoW President, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha.
The conference, which had social workers across the federation in attendance, was themed, ‘Ubuntu – I am because we are: strengthening Social Solidarity and Global Connectedness.’
Prof. A. E. Idyorough presented paper on ‘Professionalisation of social work education and practice in Nigeria: Our generation and our story;’ James Ibor spoke on ‘Social work and ethical dilemmas in contemporary society;’ Gabriel Undelikwo focused ‘Building professional synergy for social and legal programme in Nigeria development;’ while Dr. Mina Ogbabga presented a paper on ‘Social work with women and children – An empowerment framework. Richard Effiong treated the topic, ‘Building a stronger and formidable social welfare relationship in Nigeria.’
It was learnt that the Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment) Bill 2017, passed by the National Assembly in 2018, was declined assent by the president as a result of some grey areas. The document was consequently reworked and sent to the National Assembly for passage in June 2022. It has since been awaiting president’s assent.
Mustapha, who said that signing of the bill would check quackery in the social work practice, explained that it would give legal backing and promote quality social service delivery to the public.
He urged government at all levels to fund social welfare programmes, stressing that nation building was not all about economic development but also about the development of humanness.
Mustapha said, “The signing of this bill by President Muhammadu Buhari will help to regulate the practice of Social Work in Nigeria just like the way it is done in the UK, USA, Canada and the rest.
“Social Work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline where practitioners help the individuals, families and organisations to solve their social problems. It is the government that regulates the practice of Social Work all over the world and not an individual. It is the government that regulates Social Work in the UK, USA, Canada and the rest and we believed that Nigeria case will not be an exception.
“That is why we are saying that Social Work in Nigeria is not for sale. We are appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to please sign this bill.
“There are a lot of quacks in social work because the services of social workers are not regulated and they have done a lot of harm to the profession. So, regulating the industry will enable us have square pegs in square holes; that is why I appeal to Mr President to sign this bill into law.”
The NASoW Chairman in Cross River State, Prof. Takim Ojua, said that social workers are a group of people that share common ethical principles and have been properly trained in social work.
According to Ojua, being a social worker is different from being a philanthropist because as a professional, a social worker has considerable knowledge of what he is doing.
He stressed that “To be a social worker, you must, at least, have a diploma in social works in a recognized institution. It is also advised that those with diplomas should upgrade and update their knowledge in the profession.”
