The federal government has urged Nigerian youths to enrol in social work institutions to address the growing shortage of professional social workers amid rising poverty and social challenges across the country.
The call was made yesterday at the 5th matriculation ceremony of the Federal School of Social Work, Emene, Enugu State.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya, the Director of Social Development, Mr Valentine Ezulu, stated that Nigeria urgently requires more trained social workers to effectively respond to the growing humanitarian and social welfare needs of the population.
Ezulu encouraged young Nigerians seeking meaningful and impactful careers to consider social work, describing the profession as critical to national development, social stability and poverty reduction.
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According to him, social workers play a vital role in addressing poverty, social injustice, family disintegration, humanitarian emergencies and the protection of vulnerable populations, stressing that the current shortage of professionals continues to limit the effectiveness of government interventions.
"As a nation, we are confronted with complex social challenges that demand skilled and professional social workers. Institutions such as the Federal School of Social Work, Emene, provide the platform for young Nigerians to acquire the competencies needed to serve society and contribute to national development," he said.
He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting institutions involved in social work training, noting that investment in social work education remains a priority for the federal government's poverty reduction agenda.
Earlier, the provost of the institution, Mr Ajibola Chris, said the school is committed to producing competent and ethical professionals capable of responding to Nigeria's evolving social welfare needs.
He described social work practice in Nigeria as demanding due to limited manpower and increasing social pressures, adding that the institution would continue to strengthen its training programmes to meet national and global standards.
Delivering a lecture at the event, Prof Ndidi Ozofor described social work practice in Nigeria as an "uphill task," citing the inadequate number of professional social workers and weak institutional support structures.
He referenced Decree No. 12 of 1974, which established social welfare services and social development programmes in Nigeria, noting that despite the legal framework, the sector still faces significant capacity gaps.
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Ozofor urged the newly admitted students to see themselves as agents of social change and encouraged more Nigerians to enrol in social work institutions to help bridge the professional gap in the sector.
Meanwhile, the ceremony also highlighted institutional challenges, as students appealed to authorities to address concerns relating to infrastructure, utilities, staff welfare, publicity and student representation at national and international levels.
In his remarks, the representative of the host community's paramount ruler, Chief Aneke Jerome, commended the school's contribution to social development and pledged the continued support of the community.
The event concluded with the administration of the oath of allegiance to the newly admitted students.
The Federal School of Social Work, Emene, remains one of Nigeria's key institutions training professionals to support government and non-governmental efforts in social welfare, humanitarian response and poverty reduction.
