In a recent meeting with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja, the Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria (C-ISOWN) has made a compelling appeal for the Federal Government’s assistance in enhancing the training and retraining of social work practitioners.
C-ISOWN is dedicated to maintaining a consistent and high standard of social work practice across Nigeria.
Led by Dr. Iyeme Efem, the Immediate Past President of the institute, the delegation stressed the urgency of their request, viewing it as a crucial step towards establishing a robust social work profession not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
Dr. Efem affirmed the institute’s commitment to collaborating closely with the ministry to elevate the quality of social work practice. He emphasized the importance of government support in professionalizing the field and enhancing the capabilities of social workers, which, in turn, can play a vital role in addressing the numerous social challenges facing the nation.
C-ISOWN not only offers practical field experience for aspiring social workers through internships and project participation but also partners with government agencies and international organizations. Dr. Efem highlighted the institute’s successful partnership with the USAID/Fistula Projects in Nigeria, which has facilitated the development of social work skills in the country.
Additionally, Dr. Efem introduced the Minister to the institute’s ongoing project, USAID/MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics (MSSFPO), implemented by EngenderHealth. He underlined the project’s alignment with the ministry’s objectives and its potential to expand the capacity of social workers and empower a new generation of professionals to address women’s health issues, including fistula.
Dr. Efem also urged the Minister to consider sponsoring relevant ministry officers to participate in the institute’s special membership and induction program, ensuring the proper registration of senior officers in service.
Furthermore, he extended an invitation to the Minister to attend the institute’s upcoming international conference scheduled for November 2 to November 4 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
In response, Minister Dr. Betta Edu expressed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with C-ISOWN, emphasizing their dedication to advancing humanitarian affairs in Nigeria. She assured the delegation that the government would review the institute’s requests with the aim of further professionalizing social work in the country.
