Social work is context-bound: The need for indigenization of social work practice in Nigeria

Abstract

This article evaluates how and to what extent indigenization of social work profession and practice in Nigeria can occur. There is a need to indigenize social work because of the shortcomings and inadequacies of Western social work theories and practices in addressing Nigerian social problems. For social work to succeed here, culture and tradition must be taken into consideration. Social work education and practices should incorporate some valuable local social-cultural practices. Social work should be indigenized in local contexts, that is, to accommodate the socio-cultural complexities of the over 350 ethnic groups and cultures in Nigeria.

Mapping social work education in the West Africa region: Movements toward indigenization in 12 countries’ training programs

“…Within the African continent, writings on the indigenization of social work have likewise expanded, highlighting both issues that social work professionals are likely to emphasize or processes and praxis models that they are more apt to deploy. Researchers have identified sociocultural practices and traditions (Ugiagbe, ), land use and interethnic conflicts among rural populations (Ibrahima & Mattaini, ), development of indigenous language capital (Igboanusi, ), and urbanization (Ibrahima & Mattaini, ) as important foci for indigenization efforts. Recommendations for the indigenization of African social work center on a re‐evaluation of values and practices through perspective‐taking at multiple, local levels (Osei‐Hwedie, ; Rankopo & Osei‐Hwedie, ).…”

Indigenous social work education interventions: A viable path to a culturally friendly social work service delivery in South Africa

“…The authors refer to indigenisation as social work education and theory that is deeply entrenched in the repertoire of social work interventions informed by an African social and cultural milieu (Kang'ethe, 2014). This resonates with the thinking of Ugiagbe (2014), who contends that the indigenisation of social work education and practice means to infuse all invaluable, local, socio-cultural practices and traditions that are rich in local knowledge, dogma, experiences, ideas and tenets with a proven record of accomplishment in maintaining the livelihoods of local communities. The indigenisation of social work education and practice implies employing a proactive approach that offers an alternative to traditional and reactive social work in Africa.…”

Indigenous knowledge and social work education in Nigeria: Challenges and need for sustainable development

“…Reconnecting to a framework that challenges structural deficiencies will provide a platform where African and Western social work community can learn and share knowledge that will strengthen global practice, promote social justice and ensure that unheard voices in the education of social work in the Global South are heard. Such engagement will require the commitment of (Canavera et al, 2020;Onokerhoraye, 2011;Spitzer and Twikirize 2019;Ross, 2010;Ugiagbe, 2015) It was evident from research findings that indigenous and Western knowledge need to be harmonized. This can be done through a combined academic process whereby practitioners, The World Bank.…”