Incorporating spirituality in social work education in Nigeria

Abstract

In recent times, spirituality, as typified by the religion has been on the receiving end of scathing criticisms. Although seducing, the arguments of these critics seem romanticized and flawed for the very reason that there abound natural synergies between spirituality and social development. Consequently, this article addresses the interconnections between spirituality, the social work profession, and social development. Drawing on the holistic intervention strategies of the religious organizations to national development while, concurrently, canvassing for the integration of spirituality to social work education. Given the palpable mistrusts between the faith-based organizations and the State, feasible suggestions are offered to the Nigerian political leadership to ensure that the religion, and by extension spirituality, continues to provide the citizens a pathway for meaningful living as a precondition for national development.