THE PROSPECT AND CHALLENGES OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study extensively explores the prospect and challenges of social work practice in Nigeria. The study uses the 150 members of the Edo State chapter of Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) as the total population. Four well-structured research questions were formulated and twenty questions were administered to the respondent to collect response from them.

To conduct the study, a total of 60 respondents were randomly selected. The respondents were chosen using the simple random sampling technique from the targeted population. The result of the study shows that while the Social Work Practice and Profession in developed countries is an old profession, social work Practise in Nigeria is at its early and developing stage, and that it can be an agent of transformation and development. The study also found out that there is still a large gap to be filled by adequately trained professionals with regards to social work position in different areas of needs. This lack of professionalism among people working in social work capacities creates a wrong perception of social work in Nigeria. It was also found out that social work profession is a viable tool for addressing common societal problem.

Against the background of the findings in the study, several recommendations were made which include that the government should endeavor to allocate more funding to the social work practice as this will boost productivity among social work professionals. It also recommended that more people should be encouraged to undergo proper training and obtain social work certification as this will increase their professionalism. Compensation is an act of motivation, therefore Socials workers should be compensated adequately and social work activities should receive the necessary promotion and attention as this will boost their motivation to work.