Strategic processes to further the professional status of social work in Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines pivotal issues relating to social workers’ search for professional recognition in Nigeria. It begins with a historical discussion of social work’s universal quest to establish a distinct professional identity. Thereafter, it examines Nigerian social work’s path to professionalisation before introducing an analytical framework through recourse to an R-lexicon to highlight the interrelated processes by which professions establish their credentials and attain legitimation. These are registration and regulation, relevance, recognition, representation, relational connection, rights and research. This R-lexicon highlights key strategic areas Nigerian social workers might address to advance their quest for professional status.