The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has described Social Work as an increasingly vital profession, given its expanding role in addressing a wide range of societal challenges.
Prof. Egbewole said this last Wednesday (April 9, 2025) when he received the First Lady of Kwara State, Amb. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, who was part of a team from the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), who paid him a courtesy call ahead of their participation at the 11th National Convention/AGM of the Nigerian Association of Social Works Students (NASOWS).
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, the Vice Chancellor mentioned the growing recognition of the field as not only relevant but also indispensable in contemporary society. He added that Social Work is evolving into a profession to reckon with due to its unique focus on offering practical solutions to social issues.
He said, “Social Work is an evolving area in our lives. It became even more prominent during times of war and crisis and most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people suffered from depression due to isolation and limited human interaction.”
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that the profession is gaining relevance because of its hands-on nature and its ability to address real-life problems across various levels of the society, from national emergencies to personal and domestic issues.
Earlier in her remarks, the First Lady of Kwara State, Amb. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, called for collaboration between the University of Ilorin and the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development in the drive to improve social welfare across the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Social Development, Dr Maryam Nnafatima Imam, the First Lady noted the state’s commitment to harnessing the potential of social work in addressing pressing societal challenges.
She noted that while efforts have been made, the synergy between the University of Ilorin and the Ministry of Social Development is still lacking. She said, “We have noticed that the synergy between the University of Ilorin and the Ministry is not yet cordial. Hence, we need to work together to foster changes in Kwara State to ensure tangible impact for the people of the state. We know that there are researchers in the department who could come up with findings that will help improve the quality of life of the people of Kwara State.”
Also speaking, the Ag Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, described the National Social Work Convention as a trailblazing initiative, marking a historic moment for both the University and the field of Social Work in the country.
Dr Akanmu lauded the scale and impact of the convention, saying it is the first of its kind and the largest congregation of Social Work students ever held in the country.
The Dean explained the diverse participation at the convention, with students from different regions and backgrounds across the nation converging on the University of Ilorin campus to learn the nitty-gritty of their work and to have social interaction with their colleagues.
Dr Akanmu noted that the convention was not only a platform for academic engagement, but also an opportunity for students to build networks, exchange ideas, and foster unity among aspiring social workers from various institutions.
On his part, the Ag Head of the Department of Social Work, Dr Sunday Evaristus Abonyi, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for his resolute support and approval for the University to host the maiden National Social Work Convention in Nigeria.
Describing the event as a landmark achievement for the University and the Department, the Head of Department highlighted the rising popularity and acceptance of Social Work as a vital academic and professional field across the country.
Dr Abonyi said Social Work has become a very popular course in Nigeria today, and many universities are seeing the need to run the programme, adding that the growing interest reflects the critical role of the profession in addressing complex societal challenges.
The Vice Chancellor was joined to receive the guests by the University Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; and the Bursar, represented by a Deputy Bursar, Mr Mohammed Jimoh Akanbi.
Others at the meeting were the National President, Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), Alhaji Mashood Mustapha; the President of IFSW Africa Region, Mrs Toni Adeleke; and the President, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kwara State, Mrs Gloria Okoduwa, among others.
