The Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria (C-ISOWN) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for advancing the professional status of social work in the country. The institute welcomed the president’s renewed support for their efforts to formalize and regulate social work practice nationwide.
C-ISOWN urged the government to maintain its policy of removing funding for regulatory agencies from the national budget. They emphasized the importance of self-funded professional bodies for better autonomy and coordination. According to Prof. Oluwayemisi Obashoro-John, president of the institute, government recognition should come with oversight but without financial dependence, reflecting practices in developed countries.
Prof. Obashoro-John highlighted that the institute operates without government funding, relying on self-sustained activities to regulate the profession. She pointed out that many Nigerians now recognize social workers’ vital role, but the profession faces challenges from unqualified individuals who harm its reputation.
The institute stressed the growing demand for social services in Nigeria, including child protection, elderly care, school welfare, and medical social work. C-ISOWN revealed ongoing cooperation with the federal government to improve social work standards and create a legal framework to unify and regulate services across the country.
Sw. Aniekan Michael, the institute’s Head of Media, reported that over 5,670 social work professionals have been registered since the institute was chartered, including 265 practitioners in the diaspora. He noted that registration requires mandatory training and exams to maintain high standards.
Founded in 2007 and officially operating from 2010, C-ISOWN gained full regulatory authority under Act No. 25 of 2022. This law empowers the institute to set and enforce minimum professional standards for social work practice in Nigeria.
