By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) President, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to assent the National Council for Social Work Establishment Bill 2022.
Speaking at the opening of the association’s 38th Annual National Conference/Annual General Meeting on Wednesday in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, President, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha said signing of Nigerian Council for Social Work Establishment bill will help to check quackery from social work practice.
Alhaji Mustapha maintained that the law when signed by President Buhari will give legal backing and promote quality social service delivery to the general public in the country.
Tasking government at all levels in the country to fund social welfare programmes, the NASoW President said nation building was not all about economic development alone but in the development of humanness.
“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”, he said.
Alhaji Mustapha added, ” 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 opening of the conference which had social workers across the federation was “Ubuntu – I am because we are: strengthening Social Solidarity and Global Connectedness” witnessed papers presentations by Professor A. E. Idyorough who presented paper on “Professionalisation of Social Work Education and practice in Nigeria: Our generation and our story”, Barrister James Ibor who presented paper on “Social Work and Ethical Dilemmas in contemporary society”, Mr. Gabriel Undelikwo who presented paper on “Building Professional Synergy for Social and legal programme in Nigeria development, Dr. Mina Ogbabga who presented paper on “Social Work with women and children- An empowerment framework and Mr. Richard Effiong who presented paper on “Building a stronger and formidable social welfare relationship in Nigeria”.
