From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria (C-ISOWN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support in the professionalisation of social work practice in the country.
The Institute expressed satisfaction with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in recognising and supporting the Institute’s role in institutionalising social work practice through the enactment of its charter.
In a statement issued to newsmen, the President of the Institute, Prof. Oluwayemisi Obashoro-John, applauded the government’s policy of ending financial dependency of regulatory agencies on public funds. She described the move as timely and consistent with international best practices where governments recognise and supervise, but do not fund, professional regulatory bodies.
“As we speak, the Institute does not rely on government funding to operate. Professional regulation should be self-sustaining. However, the longstanding perception of government ownership in everything causes confusion, leading some to view government-chartered institutes as private entities, contrary to legal provisions,” she said.
Prof. Obashoro-John noted that more Nigerians are beginning to understand the vital role of social workers and are increasingly seeking their services.
However, she expressed concern over the growing infiltration of the profession by unqualified individuals, which she said undermines its integrity.
She further emphasised that the benefits of an effectively regulated social work sector are substantial, especially as Nigeria begins to demand a broader range of professional social services. These include child protection, elderly care, industrial welfare, school social work, medical, and sports social services, similar to what is obtainable in developed countries.
The Institute also revealed that it has intensified collaboration with the federal government to enhance the delivery of quality social work services. It noted that the government’s decision to provide a legal framework for the practice has helped unify previously fragmented efforts into a coordinated national system.
According to the Institute’s Head of Media, Sw. Aniekan Michael, C-ISOWN has so far inducted and registered 5,670 professionals, including 265 practitioners in the diaspora. He noted that while the numbers could be higher, registration requires mandatory training and examinations to ensure minimum professional standards.
C-ISOWN, established in 2007 and operational since 2010, was reestablished by Act No. 25 of 2022. The Act empowers the Institute to regulate, control, and determine the minimum professional standards for social work practice in Nigeria.