Identification of gaps in social work education in Nigeria

Within the context of industrialization this study identifies "Gaps" between the current Social Work Education and the professional situation in Nigeria; and then examines the professional training programs in relation to contemporary social problems and needs in this society.;In considering gaps, two issues concerning social work education in Nigeria are dealt with in some detail; these are the meaning and the relevance of the discipline; firstly, to the traditional culture of Nigerian people and, secondly, to the circumstances and opportunities available in Nigeria.;The research starts by systematically tracing the influence and the complete replication of British and North American social work in Nigeria during the 1950's and 1960's. Here, we connect the influence of development of western social work in Nigeria to modernization theory, to the years of colonialism, and to the accompanying complex relationships that supported the belief that whatever came from the West was superior and should be incorporated in the country's social and economic system.;Secondly, we examine three major themes relative to the applicability of Western European (e.g. British) and North American social work education in relation to the contemporary social problems and needs in Nigeria. In examining the claim of applicability, we attempt to discover the extent to which there has been selection, rejection and blending of social work ideas with dynamic indigenous culture. We also look, in addition to the issues of cultural appropriateness, at whether social work training has taken sufficiently into account that social workers in Nigeria deal with people who are experiencing survival needs that may only be met by material assistance and other tangible forms of solutions to their problems.;Third, while examining the nature of the current program of professional social work education in Nigeria, we attempt to determine conceptually the importance of development approaches and the role of social work training in national social development. The final stage of this research discusses the issue of development approaches for the amelioration of poverty and social problems of underdevelopment in Nigeria.