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The Senate on Wednesday re-visited and passed the Nigerian Council for Social Work Bill which aims to establish a council to regulate the practice of professional Social Work in Nigeria.
The Bill entitled, “Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment) Bill 2017 was first passed in December 2017 but was not assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari who cited lack of clarity over the scope of the profession of Social Work.
But following its revision by the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), the Ministries of Labour, Women Affairs and Social Development, Office of Attorney General of the Federation and other stakeholders, the bill was sent back to the senate for reconsideration
The Senate, while reconsidering the bill on Wednesday, rescinded seven clauses of the bill.
When finally assented to by the president, the new law will recognise the establishment of the Nigerian Council for Social Work which will regulate and promote professional Social Work practice and uphold its work ethics and values.
The council shall also determine what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the profession of social work and review those standards from time to time, as circumstances may require.
The council shall also promote research and ensure high standard and quality of training of Social Workers in Nigeria,