Social Work and Social Development in Nigeria - Issues & Challenges

SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT

IN NIGERIA : ISSUES & IN NIGERIA : ISSUES & CHALLENGESCHALLENGES

Gbolahan Olubowale MSW,AMNIMGbolahan Olubowale MSW,AMNIMFounder & Executive Director,Founder & Executive Director,

Centre for Rural Health & Development,Centre for Rural Health & Development,Oyo State, Nigeria.Oyo State, Nigeria.

Email: Email: [email protected]: (+234)803 370 3772 or 225 276 7029Tel: (+234)803 370 3772 or 225 276 7029

www.ringo.com/photos/recent.html?memberId=89304984

Demographic StatisticsDemographic StatisticsNigeria is a complex country of about 140 Million Nigeria is a complex country of about 140 Million people with many “nations” within it. It has over people with many “nations” within it. It has over 250 ethnic groups speaking different languages 250 ethnic groups speaking different languages and dialects.and dialects.35% of population lives in urban areas.35% of population lives in urban areas.Major tribes includes:Major tribes includes:

- Hausa-Fulani [30%]– mostly Muslims in the - Hausa-Fulani [30%]– mostly Muslims in the NorthNorth

- Yoruba [20%]– South West mixed Xtians - Yoruba [20%]– South West mixed Xtians with with MuslimsMuslims

- Ibo [17%]– South East, mostly Xtians- Ibo [17%]– South East, mostly Xtians- Other tribes – Edo, Ijaw, Ibibio, Urhobo, - Other tribes – Edo, Ijaw, Ibibio, Urhobo,

Itsekiri, Itsekiri, Kanuri, Jukun, Tiv, Nupes, Kanuri, Jukun, Tiv, Nupes,

Nigeria has the biggest population in Africa [140 Million] Nigeria has the biggest population in Africa [140 Million] with 1 in 6 Africans being Nigerian. with 1 in 6 Africans being Nigerian. Nigeria’s rich human and material resource endowments Nigeria’s rich human and material resource endowments give it the potential to become Africa’s largest economy and give it the potential to become Africa’s largest economy and a major player in the global economy.a major player in the global economy.It provides a vast market for finished products from the It provides a vast market for finished products from the industrialized countries.industrialized countries.It’s oil deposit is one of the best in the world [Bonny Light] It’s oil deposit is one of the best in the world [Bonny Light] with less sulphur content.with less sulphur content.It is one of the major suppliers of Oil & Gas to the USA, It is one of the major suppliers of Oil & Gas to the USA, Europe and China.Europe and China.It supplies other raw materials to the industrialised world It supplies other raw materials to the industrialised world [e.g Coal, Cocoa, Rubber, Palm Oil, Cassava, Groundnut, [e.g Coal, Cocoa, Rubber, Palm Oil, Cassava, Groundnut, etc.etc.Nigeria has a great deal of influence in West Africa and Nigeria has a great deal of influence in West Africa and Africa. It is an important member of ECOWAS (the Africa. It is an important member of ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) and plays a Economic Community of West African States) and plays a central role in ECOMOG's (the Economic Community of central role in ECOMOG's (the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group) peacekeeping West African States Monitoring Group) peacekeeping operation. Nigeria also plays leadership roles in the African operation. Nigeria also plays leadership roles in the African Union.Union.Any major crisis in Nigeria has the potential to destablize Any major crisis in Nigeria has the potential to destablize the whole of West Africa and Africa.the whole of West Africa and Africa.

Why is Nigeria important to the USA & the Why is Nigeria important to the USA & the World?World?

Nigeria, The Heart of AfricaNigeria, The Heart of Africawww.heartofafrica.com

www.motherlandnigeria.com/picture

Nigerian Gas export to ECOWASNigerian Gas export to ECOWAS

The MDGsThe MDGs

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals set by the United Nations to are eight goals set by the United Nations to be achieved by 2015 that respond to the be achieved by 2015 that respond to the world's main development challenges. The world's main development challenges. The MDGs are drawn from the actions and MDGs are drawn from the actions and targets contained in the targets contained in the Millennium Declaration that was adopted that was adopted by by 189 nations189 nations-and signed by -and signed by 147 heads 147 heads of state and governmentsof state and governments during the during the United Nations Millennium Summit in in September 2000. September 2000.

MDGs:MDGs:Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger hunger

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education

Goal 3: Promote gender equality and Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women empower women

Goal 4: Reduce child mortality Goal 4: Reduce child mortality

Goal 5: Improve maternal health Goal 5: Improve maternal health

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases diseases

Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability

Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development Development

A Traditional Village Settlement in Northern Nigeria.A Traditional Village Settlement in Northern Nigeria.

Issues & ChallengesIssues & Challenges

Governance – Precolonial, Colonial & PostcolonialGovernance – Precolonial, Colonial & PostcolonialEconomy & Economic DevelopmentEconomy & Economic DevelopmentSocial & Human Capital DevelopmentSocial & Human Capital DevelopmentPolitical & Electoral ProcessPolitical & Electoral ProcessMilitary Interventions & Civil WarMilitary Interventions & Civil WarReligion ,Tradition & CultureReligion ,Tradition & CultureDeregulation, IMF, World Bank, London & Paris Deregulation, IMF, World Bank, London & Paris ClubClubDebt & Debt ServicingDebt & Debt ServicingCorruption & High Cost of GovernanceCorruption & High Cost of GovernanceGovt Policies & Policy InstabilityGovt Policies & Policy Instability

Nigeria: An Emerging DemocracyNigeria: An Emerging Democracy

Nigeria a ParadoxNigeria a ParadoxOrdinarily, Nigeria should be a gigantic economic Ordinarily, Nigeria should be a gigantic economic reservoir of national and international importance. Its reservoir of national and international importance. Its rich endowments of oil and gas fed into the rich endowments of oil and gas fed into the international economic system in exchange for international economic system in exchange for massive revenues that carry the promise of rapid massive revenues that carry the promise of rapid socio-economic transformation.socio-economic transformation.In reality, the country is suffering from In reality, the country is suffering from maladministration, high unemployment, social maladministration, high unemployment, social deprivation and abject poverty.deprivation and abject poverty.Enormous possibilities for industrial development Enormous possibilities for industrial development abounds in terms of the abundance of raw materials abounds in terms of the abundance of raw materials but these remain unrealized. Beyond vast oil and gas but these remain unrealized. Beyond vast oil and gas deposits, the country is blessed with good agricultural deposits, the country is blessed with good agricultural land, extensive forests and a large labor force. But land, extensive forests and a large labor force. But juxtaposed against the potential for economic growth juxtaposed against the potential for economic growth and sustainable development are deteriorating and sustainable development are deteriorating economic and social conditions that have been largely economic and social conditions that have been largely ignored by successive governmentignored by successive governmentApproximately, 70% of the population live in poverty.Approximately, 70% of the population live in poverty.

Prof. Wole SoyinkaProf. Wole Soyinka[Nobel Laureate in Literature][Nobel Laureate in Literature]

“Wasted Generation”“Wasted Generation”

Regional Disparities.Regional Disparities.

There is much regional disparity within Nigeria: There is much regional disparity within Nigeria: social indicators are worse in the northern part social indicators are worse in the northern part of the country than in the south, and poorer in of the country than in the south, and poorer in rural than in urban areas. The under-5 infant rural than in urban areas. The under-5 infant mortality rates are much higher in the northern mortality rates are much higher in the northern parts of the country than in the south, and higher parts of the country than in the south, and higher in rural than in urban areas. Fewer children go in rural than in urban areas. Fewer children go to school in the north than in the south. Twice as to school in the north than in the south. Twice as many women in the north have never attended many women in the north have never attended school, and girls' participation in primary and school, and girls' participation in primary and secondary education continue to be much lower secondary education continue to be much lower in the north than in the south. Regional in the north than in the south. Regional differences in the knowledge and practice of differences in the knowledge and practice of family planning are also considerablefamily planning are also considerable. .

Durbar Parade in Northern NigeriaDurbar Parade in Northern Nigeria

Oba [King] of Benin Kingdom Oba [King] of Benin Kingdom [Mid West Nigeria ][Mid West Nigeria ]

Lagos, former Capital City of Nigeria Lagos, former Capital City of Nigeria [West][West]

A Sculpture of the Ooni [King] of Ife – the ancestral home of A Sculpture of the Ooni [King] of Ife – the ancestral home of the Yoruba Tribe in Western Nigeria.the Yoruba Tribe in Western Nigeria.

Oil : A Blessing or A Curse?Oil : A Blessing or A Curse?

Oil and Gas generated over 40% of Nigeria’s national Oil and Gas generated over 40% of Nigeria’s national GDP over recent decades. GDP over recent decades. Between 2000-2004, Oil accounted for about 79.5% of Between 2000-2004, Oil accounted for about 79.5% of total government revenues and 97% of foreign total government revenues and 97% of foreign exchange revenues.exchange revenues.Agriculture which used to be the major source of Agriculture which used to be the major source of government earnings and source of employment for government earnings and source of employment for about 70% of the population has been grossly about 70% of the population has been grossly neglected with attendant social and economic neglected with attendant social and economic dislocations.dislocations.The positive blessings of Oil derive mainly from the The positive blessings of Oil derive mainly from the huge financial resources it generates for producing huge financial resources it generates for producing countries. As an internationally traded commodity that countries. As an internationally traded commodity that attracts foreign exchange, Oil is a quick source of attracts foreign exchange, Oil is a quick source of capital accumulation or foreign direct investment for capital accumulation or foreign direct investment for developing countries faced with capital constraints. developing countries faced with capital constraints. Countries without Oil face a struggle to overcome Countries without Oil face a struggle to overcome capital shortages, a major developmental inhibition.capital shortages, a major developmental inhibition.

However, due to mismanagement, lack of However, due to mismanagement, lack of transparency, accountability and fairness, Nigeria transparency, accountability and fairness, Nigeria has consistently squandered her huge oil wealth has consistently squandered her huge oil wealth prodigally on white elephant projects that have prodigally on white elephant projects that have become a drain pipe for the countries resources become a drain pipe for the countries resources enriching a few in governmental positions while enriching a few in governmental positions while leaving a vast majority of the population in abject leaving a vast majority of the population in abject poverty.poverty.

In 1980, an estimated 27% of Nigerians lived in In 1980, an estimated 27% of Nigerians lived in poverty. By 1999, about 70% of the population had poverty. By 1999, about 70% of the population had income of less than $1 a day.income of less than $1 a day.

Despite Oil export earnings of about $300 Billion Despite Oil export earnings of about $300 Billion since the mid 1970s, average income in 2000 was since the mid 1970s, average income in 2000 was 20& lower than in 1975.20& lower than in 1975.

N500 Note showing an Offshore Oil Well.N500 Note showing an Offshore Oil Well.[second highest denomination in Nigeria][second highest denomination in Nigeria]

““Oil Boom & Oil Doom”Oil Boom & Oil Doom”

Broad National Goals of Social Broad National Goals of Social Development Policy in NigeriaDevelopment Policy in Nigeria

The continuous improvement of the quality of life of the entire The continuous improvement of the quality of life of the entire citizens of the country, as groups & individuals..citizens of the country, as groups & individuals..The promotion and continuous improvement of initiatives & The promotion and continuous improvement of initiatives & programs aimed at improving the welfare of the society’s most programs aimed at improving the welfare of the society’s most vulnerable & disadvantaged groups, notably the disabled; the poor vulnerable & disadvantaged groups, notably the disabled; the poor & destitutes; the aged; children; youth; rural populations & & destitutes; the aged; children; youth; rural populations & women.women.The development and mobilization of human & social capacity; in The development and mobilization of human & social capacity; in particular, the strengthening of the capacity of various institutions, particular, the strengthening of the capacity of various institutions, communities & target groups to cope creatively & effectively with communities & target groups to cope creatively & effectively with the challenges of change.the challenges of change.The anticipation, control and minimization of social problems.The anticipation, control and minimization of social problems.The maintenance of high moral standard of the nation as a well as The maintenance of high moral standard of the nation as a well as alertness and responsive action against policies & trends both alertness and responsive action against policies & trends both foreign and local that militates against such standard.foreign and local that militates against such standard.The maximization of the contribution of the Social Development The maximization of the contribution of the Social Development Sector towards the attainment of the country’s socio-economic Sector towards the attainment of the country’s socio-economic integration & human development objectivesintegration & human development objectivesThe promotion of policy orientations likely to strengthen the The promotion of policy orientations likely to strengthen the observance & protection of human rights, to advance social justice observance & protection of human rights, to advance social justice & human dignity & enhance the status of people in the scheme of & human dignity & enhance the status of people in the scheme of national development.national development.

Okunlola (2002), defined Social Development as the greater Okunlola (2002), defined Social Development as the greater capacity of the social system (social structure, institutions, capacity of the social system (social structure, institutions, services, & policy) to utilizeservices, & policy) to utilize resources to generate changes in resources to generate changes in levels of living, interpreted in the broad sense as related to levels of living, interpreted in the broad sense as related to accepted social values & a better distribution of income, wealth accepted social values & a better distribution of income, wealth & opportunities.& opportunities.

The Nigerian National Advisory Committee on Social The Nigerian National Advisory Committee on Social Development [NACSD] in 1975 identified as social Development [NACSD] in 1975 identified as social development, the subjects of social welfare, women program, development, the subjects of social welfare, women program, sport development, & community developmentsport development, & community development

This was later considered to be narrow in scope & This was later considered to be narrow in scope & subsequent governments have broadened the scope of Social subsequent governments have broadened the scope of Social Development in Nigeria.Development in Nigeria.

““the goal and substance s of social development is the the goal and substance s of social development is the welfare of the people, as determined by the people welfare of the people, as determined by the people themselves, meeting human needs at all levels & for themselves, meeting human needs at all levels & for improving the capacity of human relationship between improving the capacity of human relationship between people & social institutions” ( Paiva; quoted in people & social institutions” ( Paiva; quoted in Okunlola 2002)Okunlola 2002)

Today, there is a full fledged Federal Ministry of Social Development, Youth & Sport which was first established in 1977.All the component 36 states replictated this at the state level.

NGO [Not for –profit organizations:NGO [Not for –profit organizations:

- complements governments effort - complements governments effort

- advocacy, community mobilization - advocacy, community mobilization & development activities.& development activities.

- pressure group to positively impact - pressure group to positively impact governments policies governments policies

Broad Street, Lagos State – the Commercial Capital of NigeriaBroad Street, Lagos State – the Commercial Capital of Nigeria

Pitfalls of Traditional Development Planning Pitfalls of Traditional Development Planning in Nigeriain Nigeria

Development planning in Nigeria dates back to the Development planning in Nigeria dates back to the formative 10years National Development Plan for formative 10years National Development Plan for 1946-1955 prepared by the Colonial Administration. 1946-1955 prepared by the Colonial Administration. After political independence in 1960, successive post-After political independence in 1960, successive post-colonial governments initially prepared mostly colonial governments initially prepared mostly medium-term development plans namely 1962-1968, medium-term development plans namely 1962-1968, 1970-1974, 1975-1980, and 1981-1985.1970-1974, 1975-1980, and 1981-1985.A series of Rolling Plans followed between 1990 and A series of Rolling Plans followed between 1990 and 1998. These efforts were often associated with 1998. These efforts were often associated with income-centered development paradigm, short-term income-centered development paradigm, short-term and based on official convictions, they lacked essential and based on official convictions, they lacked essential Civil Society and grassroots inputs or preparation. Civil Society and grassroots inputs or preparation. They failed to be sufficiently far-reaching, longitudinal They failed to be sufficiently far-reaching, longitudinal or symmetrical enough scope and coverage to pursue or symmetrical enough scope and coverage to pursue the inclusive goals of Human development.the inclusive goals of Human development.In most cases, traditional planning efforts amounted to In most cases, traditional planning efforts amounted to ends in themselves. They ended up either not being ends in themselves. They ended up either not being implemented or at best, being largely unimplemented.implemented or at best, being largely unimplemented.

The Apapa, Lagos Seaport; circa 1950The Apapa, Lagos Seaport; circa 1950

Jos, Plateau State; circa 1950Jos, Plateau State; circa 1950

NEEDS – National Economic Empowerment NEEDS – National Economic Empowerment Development SchemeDevelopment Scheme

NEEDS is the response to the development NEEDS is the response to the development challenges [social, political & economic] of Nigeria challenges [social, political & economic] of Nigeria in 1999 which were grossly underestimated.in 1999 which were grossly underestimated.NEEDS is Nigeria’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. It NEEDS is Nigeria’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. It recognizes that the fundamental challenge at this recognizes that the fundamental challenge at this stage of Nigeria’s development is to meet the basic stage of Nigeria’s development is to meet the basic needs of its people and reduce poverty on a needs of its people and reduce poverty on a sustained basis.sustained basis.NEEDS evolved from an extensive consultative and NEEDS evolved from an extensive consultative and participatory process involving major stakeholders participatory process involving major stakeholders in its design. The national ownership of NEEDS will in its design. The national ownership of NEEDS will contribute to its sustainability.contribute to its sustainability.It is a “living documents” subject to periodic It is a “living documents” subject to periodic amendments.amendments.All the 36 States of the Federation were encouraged All the 36 States of the Federation were encouraged to develop a similar all inclusive State focused to develop a similar all inclusive State focused SEED [State Economic Empowerment] SEED [State Economic Empowerment]

NEEDS : A “Homegrown” Approach to Nigeria’s NEEDS : A “Homegrown” Approach to Nigeria’s Sustainable Socio-Economic DevelopmentSustainable Socio-Economic Development

NEEDS Progress ReportNEEDS Progress ReportInfrastructural DevelopmentInfrastructural Development-Electricity generation has doubled since 1999.-Electricity generation has doubled since 1999.-Number of Telephone lines rose from 400,000 in 1999 to about -Number of Telephone lines rose from 400,000 in 1999 to about 3Million in 2003.3Million in 2003.

Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development- Agricultural productivity grew by 7% in 2003- Agricultural productivity grew by 7% in 2003- Industrial capacity grew from 29% in 1999 to 60% in - Industrial capacity grew from 29% in 1999 to 60% in

2003. 2003.- Unemployment fell from 18% in 1999 to 10.8% in - Unemployment fell from 18% in 1999 to 10.8% in 2003. 2003.- 3.5 Million new jobs created.- 3.5 Million new jobs created.- Foreign direct investment in non-oil sector grew at an - Foreign direct investment in non-oil sector grew at an

average annual rate of 3.6% between 1999-20003. average annual rate of 3.6% between 1999-20003.

SecuritySecurity- the police force doubled in size between 1999-2003.- the police force doubled in size between 1999-2003.

NEEDS Progress: slow but steadyNEEDS Progress: slow but steady

The Way ForwardThe Way ForwardPublic Sector Reform :- Privatization, Commercialization, Professionalization.

Economic Reform :-Private sector driven

Massive investment in social infrastructuresLand ReformsPower & Energy Sector Reform [Electricity & Petroleum]Political & Electoral ReformFiscal Federalism & Resource ControlForeign Exchange ReformBanking Sector ReformStrengthened & Vibrant anti-corruption crusade.

The National Theatre; one of the recently Privatized The National Theatre; one of the recently Privatized former Nigerian Government’s investmentsformer Nigerian Government’s investments

Reformation: Oil & Energy SectorReformation: Oil & Energy Sector

Social Work & Services in Nigeria Social Work & Services in Nigeria

Nigeria's education and health services Nigeria's education and health services expanded rapidly during the oil boom of the expanded rapidly during the oil boom of the 1970s, but there has been serious deterioration 1970s, but there has been serious deterioration in the quantity and quality of services in the past in the quantity and quality of services in the past two decades. Facilities are ill-maintained; two decades. Facilities are ill-maintained; personnel are often insufficiently or personnel are often insufficiently or inappropriately trained and are demoralized; and inappropriately trained and are demoralized; and there are critical shortages of materials and there are critical shortages of materials and equipment. equipment.

However, in recent years attempts are being However, in recent years attempts are being made to renovate and upgrade available made to renovate and upgrade available infrastructures while also building new ones.infrastructures while also building new ones.

Social Welfare Services in NigeriaSocial Welfare Services in NigeriaSocial Welfare Services is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria. The Social Welfare Services is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria. The traditional settings provided social welfare services through the traditional settings provided social welfare services through the elders, title holders, traditional rulers, family heads, age grades, elders, title holders, traditional rulers, family heads, age grades, traditional religious leaders, etc.traditional religious leaders, etc.These institutions were responsible for the maintenance of discipline These institutions were responsible for the maintenance of discipline & settlement of disputes in the community & they also offered rewards & settlement of disputes in the community & they also offered rewards where appropriate.where appropriate.The communities were highly structured to handle cases of deviance. The communities were highly structured to handle cases of deviance. Minor disputes were usually settled by family heads while serious Minor disputes were usually settled by family heads while serious cases were referred to village heads or traditional rulers for cases were referred to village heads or traditional rulers for settlement.settlement.However, formal social work started in Lagos in 1940s during the However, formal social work started in Lagos in 1940s during the Second World War when there were many stray and abandoned Second World War when there were many stray and abandoned children and juveniles in the streets [ SDPN1992]. The services later children and juveniles in the streets [ SDPN1992]. The services later spread to other parts of the country.spread to other parts of the country.The main components of Social Welfare Services in Nigeria are:The main components of Social Welfare Services in Nigeria are:

- Family & Child Welfare- Family & Child Welfare- Rehabilitation- Rehabilitation- Counseling & Corrections- Counseling & Corrections- Care of the Elderly.- Care of the Elderly.

A Nigerian Nuclear Family A Nigerian Nuclear Family [West][West]

Social Work Education & Training in NigeriaSocial Work Education & Training in NigeriaIn Africa, social work education has been particularly critiqued for In Africa, social work education has been particularly critiqued for retaining its colonial heritage even though the critical problems and retaining its colonial heritage even though the critical problems and challenges the continent faces today could not have been imagined challenges the continent faces today could not have been imagined during the colonial era (Midgley, 1981). Consequently, such Western during the colonial era (Midgley, 1981). Consequently, such Western social work knowledge frequently fails to address the unique issues social work knowledge frequently fails to address the unique issues and cultural characteristics of the majority of Africans.and cultural characteristics of the majority of Africans.When formal Social Work was introduced to Nigeria in the 1950s & When formal Social Work was introduced to Nigeria in the 1950s & 1960s, it completely replicated the social work system s that existed in 1960s, it completely replicated the social work system s that existed in Britain and was underpinned by a colonial mentality that believed that Britain and was underpinned by a colonial mentality that believed that anything that came from the West was superior and therefore was anything that came from the West was superior and therefore was worthy of inclusion in Nigeria’s social and economic system.worthy of inclusion in Nigeria’s social and economic system.Currently, efforts are being made to contextualize the western Currently, efforts are being made to contextualize the western influenced theories and practices of social work and training from one influenced theories and practices of social work and training from one that emphasized remedial and charity work to one that lays emphasis that emphasized remedial and charity work to one that lays emphasis on developmental social work.on developmental social work.There are about four Universities offering Social Work at the Masters There are about four Universities offering Social Work at the Masters level in Nigeria [MSW], with only one offering it at the Bachelors level in Nigeria [MSW], with only one offering it at the Bachelors [BSW] level vis UI, UNN, LASU, Uniben.[BSW] level vis UI, UNN, LASU, Uniben.Social Work is also offered as a Certificate course by some tertiary Social Work is also offered as a Certificate course by some tertiary institutions.institutions.

Pictures from Philip EmeagwaliPictures from Philip Emeagwali

[famed supercomputer pioneer from Nigeria] [famed supercomputer pioneer from Nigeria] [www.emeagwali.com][www.emeagwali.com]

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.[One of the Federal Universities in Nigeria; founded in the 60’s][One of the Federal Universities in Nigeria; founded in the 60’s]

Historical Overview of Social Work in NigeriaHistorical Overview of Social Work in NigeriaThe idea of social working in Nigeria predates colonialism, formal social work The idea of social working in Nigeria predates colonialism, formal social work packaged as a profession with well articulated theories began with packaged as a profession with well articulated theories began with colonization Adepoju (1974).colonization Adepoju (1974).Odiah (1991) notes that the “kinship system in the traditional Nigerian society Odiah (1991) notes that the “kinship system in the traditional Nigerian society provided for family welfare, child welfare, health, mental health, care for the provided for family welfare, child welfare, health, mental health, care for the aged, informal education, recreation, social planning and development”.aged, informal education, recreation, social planning and development”.Not only did the extended family meet social welfare needs but it also dealt Not only did the extended family meet social welfare needs but it also dealt with problematic behaviors. Families dealt with behaviors that the community with problematic behaviors. Families dealt with behaviors that the community regarded as deviant by invoking the wider kin and it was not uncommon for regarded as deviant by invoking the wider kin and it was not uncommon for restorative penalties to be imposed.restorative penalties to be imposed.Traditional reliance on the extended family has been weakened considerably Traditional reliance on the extended family has been weakened considerably by modernization, industrialization & urbanization. The reciprocal obligations by modernization, industrialization & urbanization. The reciprocal obligations of family members toward one another still operate quite strongly in many of family members toward one another still operate quite strongly in many Nigerian communities especially in comparison to the Western world.Nigerian communities especially in comparison to the Western world.Nigeria’s quest for modernization and industrialization after independence Nigeria’s quest for modernization and industrialization after independence shaped the social welfare priorities that the country pursued which were shaped the social welfare priorities that the country pursued which were tilted towards programs that benefited a newly emerging urban middle class. tilted towards programs that benefited a newly emerging urban middle class. The provision of public housing, education and health primarily benefited an The provision of public housing, education and health primarily benefited an urban elite minority.urban elite minority.According to Midgley(1990), one of the challenges facing developing According to Midgley(1990), one of the challenges facing developing countries who have adopted Western social work theories and practice countries who have adopted Western social work theories and practice approaches includes limited relevance to the needs of the countries; human approaches includes limited relevance to the needs of the countries; human services that are largely remedial, urban-centered, limited in scope and services that are largely remedial, urban-centered, limited in scope and informed by practice models that are inappropriate; and social workers who informed by practice models that are inappropriate; and social workers who have been trained in the traditions of casework but who lack the necessary have been trained in the traditions of casework but who lack the necessary resources to effectively address clients’ needs.resources to effectively address clients’ needs.

Social Work Training and Practice in Nigeria: Need for Indigenization, Social Work Training and Practice in Nigeria: Need for Indigenization, Contextualization & a Social Development Orientation & ApproachContextualization & a Social Development Orientation & Approach

[A Traditional Bead Collection][A Traditional Bead Collection]

Nigeria : A New DawnNigeria : A New Dawn

A New Dawn in NigeriaA New Dawn in Nigeria

Children : Investing in the FutureChildren : Investing in the Future

CRHD’s TeamCRHD’s Team

ReferencesReferences

1.1. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2000) - Social Development Federal Republic of Nigeria (2000) - Social Development Policy. Policy.

2.2. Yemi Olowa (1987) - Social Services and Social Practice in Yemi Olowa (1987) - Social Services and Social Practice in Nigeria.Nigeria.

3.3. Funmilayo Faniran-Odekunle (2003) - Nigeria’s Social Funmilayo Faniran-Odekunle (2003) - Nigeria’s Social Welfare Service: Past , Present and Future.Welfare Service: Past , Present and Future.

4.4. Anucha, Uzo (2007) - Exploring a New Direction for Social Anucha, Uzo (2007) - Exploring a New Direction for Social Work Education and Training in Nigeria.Work Education and Training in Nigeria.

5.5. National Planning Commission (2004) – National Economic National Planning Commission (2004) – National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy [NEEDS]Empowerment and Development Strategy [NEEDS]

6.6. US Department of State (2008)- Bureau of African Affairs US Department of State (2008)- Bureau of African Affairs publication on Nigeriapublication on Nigeria

Thank YouThank You

Gbolahan Olubowale MSW, AMNIM,Gbolahan Olubowale MSW, AMNIM,Founder & Executive Director,Founder & Executive Director,

Centre for Rural Health & Development,Centre for Rural Health & Development,Oyo State, Nigeria.Oyo State, Nigeria.

Tel: +234 603 370 3772 / 276-7029.Tel: +234 603 370 3772 / 276-7029.Email: Email: [email protected]

www.ringo.com/ photos/slideshow.html?memberId=89304984