The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction (FMHAPR) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening social work education in Nigeria as the Federal School of Social Work, Emene, Enugu State, conducted its 5th Matriculation Ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The ceremony, held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, marked the formal admission of new students into the institution and attracted government officials, traditional leaders, academics and other stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, the Director of Social Development, Mr. Valentine Ezulu, stressed the vital role of social workers in addressing national challenges such as poverty, inequality and social injustice. He noted that the Ministry remains committed to supporting the training of professional social workers capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
According to him, sustained investment in social work education is essential to building a resilient and inclusive society, adding that the Federal School of Social Work, Emene, occupies a strategic position in producing skilled manpower for the sector.
In his welcome address, the Provost of the institution, Mr. Chris Ajibola, underscored the relevance of social work to Nigeria’s development agenda and assured students of the school’s dedication to their academic and professional growth.
Delivering the matriculation lecture, the Guest Speaker, Prof. Ndidi Ozofor, described social work practice in Nigeria as challenging, citing inadequate numbers of professional social workers and persistent societal issues. He referenced Decree No. 12 of 1974, which established social welfare and social development programmes in Nigeria, and emphasized the need to equip students with practical skills and sound professional values.
The representative of the paramount ruler of the host community, Chief Aneke Jerome, commended the institution for promoting social work education and pledged the continued support of the community.
A student representative, speaking on behalf of the matriculating students, appealed to the authorities to provide an enabling learning environment, highlighting concerns such as infrastructure, staff welfare, utilities, publicity and opportunities for students’ representation at national and international levels.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the oath of allegiance, during which the new students pledged to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution and uphold the ethics of the social work profession.
In his closing remarks, an Assistant Director in the Ministry’s Social Development Department, Mr. Akin Alesinloye, expressed confidence that the students would make significant contributions to the lives of Nigerians and to national development.
The event, which featured a formal academic procession led by the Registrar and the Provost, marked another milestone in the growth of the Federal School of Social Work, Emene, as a centre for training professional social workers in Nigeria.
