ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Social Work was established in 1976 in the Department of Sociology/Anthropology in the Faculty of the Social Sciences. It shares the same general philosophy with the University which is to restore the dignity of man. Since 1976 the Social Work Unit has pioneered the training at the University level of social workers in the country in order to satisfy the gaping need for this specialised man power. It is the first unit in the Nigeria Universities to offer University level courses in Social Work and Community Development. Since the late 80’s it ha. s assisted other institutions to start similar programme.
Before 1985 only the Undergraduate Diploma Programme was offered in Social Work. In 1985 a three year Degree Programme was approved by the senate principally for those with the Undergraduate Diploma in Social Work. At the same time a four year B.Sc Social Work option for candidates not possessing the two year Undergraduate Diploma in Social Work was approved by the senate. In 1986/87 session the Post Graduate Programme in Social Work; Post Graduate Diploma, M.Sc. and Ph.D. were also approved. It is also pertinent to mention that the University of Nigeria was the first institution in the country to start Social Work Programme
The Unit was granted a Department status in November, 2001 to enable it continue to play a pioneering role and to consolidate the gains and efforts to produce adequate manpower needed to assist individuals, groups and communities solve their various social problems.
(b) How staff are involved in the decision-making process and administration.
Teaching staff are assigned responsibilities and duties in the Department. There are assigned as members of different committees and they work in consultation with the head of department.
(c) Policy and Practice on Staff Development
Study/sabbatical leave: Staff who go on sabbatical/study leave have their courses and other duties covered by others. No staff is denied opportunity to improve him/herself due to staff non-cooperation.
(d) Staff Promotion
Staff who qualify are promoted as and when due following the guideline of appointments and promotions of the university (Yellow Book).
Objectives
The general objective of the Department is to produce students with adequate knowledge and skills in generic social work practice.
Specifically, the objectives are;
- To produce students who can enter direct into social work practice in such public, voluntary and private agencies as general and specialist hospitals, family and child care services, the court and correctional institutions, schools, rehabilitation and care of the destitutes as well as other welfare services.
- To continue to assume leadership roles in rural and urban community development efforts.
- To strengthen and expand Post Graduate Programmes in Social Work.
- To consolidate and sustain responsible positions in the field of social work education and research.
