The Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) has announced that the delays in the establishment and inauguration of the Nigerian Council for Social Work are undermining the effectiveness of the social work profession in the country.
The association has urged President Bola Tinubu to expedite the constitution and inauguration of the Nigerian Council for Social Work without further delay.
NASoW made these statements in an open letter signed by its National President, Mashood Mustapha, addressed to President Tinubu.
The letter, submitted to Aso Villa in Abuja, was made available to journalists by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Musliudeen Adebayo.
Mustapha in the letter titled “Open Letter to President Bola Tinubu on the Urgent Need to Constitute the Nigerian Council for Social Work” said social workers in the country are concerned by this delay, which has left the profession without necessary oversight and regulation, risking its integrity and effectiveness.
He used the opportunity to appeal to Tinubu to expedite action on the constitution and inauguration of the Nigerian Council for Social Work.
Mustapha while speaking further, urged Tinubu to address these irregularities and ensure that only qualified professionals, in line with the legal framework, are entrusted with this important task.
He said that it is essential that the council, as a government agency, be led by qualified professional social workers who possess the expertise and understanding required for its governance, adding that NASoW members are committed to upholding the integrity of the profession.
Mustapha said, “Before leaving office, former President Buhari directed that the council should be under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. However, the council was not constituted prior to his departure, and subsequent developments have added to our concerns. Dr. Betta Edu started the process very well shortly after her appointment, but her suspension occurred when preparation was at an advanced stage for the Constitution.”
“Mr. President, we respectfully request that you leverage your esteemed office to address these irregularities and ensure that only qualified professionals, in line with the legal framework, are entrusted with this important task.
NASoW members are committed to upholding the integrity of our profession. We appeal to Your Excellency to expedite action on the constitution and inauguration of the Nigerian Council for Social Work. Delays in this process risk undermining the effectiveness and credibility of social work in Nigeria.”
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE