Mainstreaming a Developmental Approach to Social Work Education and Practice in Africa? Perspectives of Nigerian BSW students

Abstract

A developmental approach offers a unique and multifaceted direction to social work practice, in that, as a practice strategy, it proposes intervention mechanisms that address broader socioeconomic and structural challenges in contrast to the remedial model’s emphasis on individualized problems. Consequently, applying a developmental approach to social work practice is crucial to promoting the liberation and empowerment of people. As future practitioners, it is imperative that the views of social work students are heard. Semi-structured interviews was conducted among social work students in one major university in southern Nigeria. Results show that this approach is very limited in social work education in Nigeria. Although involving a cohort of students, this study may have broader implications for social work in Nigeria. Suggestions are offered to social work educators to ensure that students are well equipped in this approach to practice.