The paper explored the dichotomy of migration, perceptions, and realities of families with members abroad in Anambra state, Nigeria. By examining the perceived benefits and the actual impacts of migration, the study provided a holistic perspective on how migration shapes the lives of families left behind. The study utilises a qualitative research method involving in-depth interviews, with 20 participants sampled from 10 families using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Findings show that migration is perceived as a great opportunity and a pathway to family prosperity. These perceptions are driven by expectations of remittances and improved standards of living. Further findings reveal complex situations, including social, emotional, and economic challenges, as well as the lack of formal social support for families. However, the study suggests that social workers should be involved in addressing families’ care needs. Hence, it recommends that social workers can better address the challenges faced by left-behind families and harness the potential of migration to enrich and strengthen these families.

Recent reports indicate that human trafficking is the third-largest growing crime syndicate globally, with links to other crimes such as drug trafficking, organ harvesting, and sex trafficking. Nigeria, both a source and destination country for human trafficking, has seen a rise in reported cases. Multi-disciplinary anti-trafficking teams have been established to combat this growing crisis. However, there is limited research on the specific roles of social workers in these teams. Therefore, this phenomenological study aimed to investigate the contributions of social workers to multi-disciplinary anti-trafficking teams in Enugu state. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 participants, including seven survivors of human trafficking and eight service providers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that while social workers are primarily recognized for their curative interventions, their roles in prevention, such as protection and rehabilitation for trafficking-vulnerable populations, are often underutilized. The study also revealed that social workers in Nigeria collaborate with professionals in the legal and health sectors to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts. Future research should examine the legal and policy frameworks supporting social workers within multi-disciplinary anti-trafficking teams in Nigeria. These structures ensure effective coordination, resource allocation, and accountability among key stakeholders.

Ubuntu reflects the African view of the world and being human. Social work is one of several professions that recognise the significance of Ubuntu principles of justice, communality, reciprocity, responsibility and relations. However, there is limited inclusion of Ubuntu in the social work curriculum in Africa. This is critical, as the principles of Ubuntu cannot guide prospective social workers in Africa if they are not integrated into the curriculum of students. The research aimed to explore stakeholders’ experiences in including the Ubuntu principle in the social work curriculum at selected African universities. The empirical research sampled 36 social work educators and students (12 educators and 24 students) from two African countries, Nigeria and South Africa. Data was collected from the participants using interviews, and the data was coded with NVivo 12 and analysed thematically. The findings highlight the centrality of Ubuntu in social work education to ensure a better future where communities assist each other and nature is respected and preserved for future generations. We concluded that Ubuntu must be intentionally integrated into the social work curriculum to empower African social workers with cultural and context relevant knowledge and practices, ensuring that interventions are deeply rooted in the lived realities of African communities.

The low value placed on girls in many rural areas in Africa limits their educational opportunities. Social norms that prioritise boys' interests over girls' can mean parents do not invest in their girls' education, seeing child marriage as the only alternative. This study, therefore, focused on factors associated with girl-child dropout from primary and secondary schools in rural areas in Enugu state, Nigeria. Data were collected for this study using four focus group discussions involving 32 parents and 20 out-of-school girls. The generated data were analysed in themes. Findings revealed that poverty, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy are the leading causes of dropout from school. To contain these setbacks, there is a need for the engagement of social workers and other human rights professionals to lead advocacy and social action activities to effect a change through constant and vigorous public sensitisation on the importance of girl-child education and the promotion of girl-child rights to education.

Knowledge of mental health and access to services are insufficient in Nigeria, particularly among younger populations. This paper, examines the knowledge, and access to mental health services among undergraduate students of University of Nigeria. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from 16 undergraduates and thematically analyzed. Results show a lack of open access to information on mental health services. In conclusion, we found gap in awareness creation, and attitude toward persons with mental health issues. These gaps will help scale up utilization of mental health services, which is a desire for Nigeria's health promotion authorities.

The recent Naira redesign policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the wake of the 2023 general elections brought untold hardship to Nigerians despite its good intentions. This study explores the gains and pains of the Naira redesign policy and the implications of the scarcity of the new Naira notes on Nigerians. Twenty-four participants were selected for the study using multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and analysed thematically using NVivo 12. Findings revealed that the policy, amongst other things, enthroned a cashless and digital banking system, enriched some individuals, and reduced kidnapping and terrorism within the period of Naira scarcity. The study equally found that the policy exposed Nigerians to starvation and untimely death, negatively affected some businesses, and led to the destruction of some bank properties. The study recommended, amongst others, that the Central Bank of Nigeria should print more new Naira notes, increase the daily withdrawal limit, and provide palliatives to help cushion the effects of the policy on average Nigerians.

Nigeria is ranked number two in the world with the highest prevalence of open defecation (OD) despite the adoption of community-led total sanitation (CLTS) since 2007. Using some CLTS-triggered communities in Ebonyi State, this study investigated the awareness of CLTS, OD status, and its drivers as well as social workers' involvement in environmental sustainability. Study data generated from primary surveys included the socio-demographic characteristics of the study population and measurable behavioral elements of the SaniFOAM framework. Results of the statistical analyses show that more than 79% of the respondents were aware of CLTS, yet OD prevalence was 84.8%. While being married (odds ratio (OR): 0.036), being a civil servant (OR: 0.109), and having at least secondary education (OR: 0.119) were associated with lower odds of OD, whereas dislike for trekking (OR: 4.322), absence of laws (OR: 5.380), sanctions (OR: 4.715), and other SaniFOAM variables were associated with increased odds of OD. The results suggest that behavioral change toward OD under CLTS, with its focus on community mobilization for self-awareness and self-assessment for eliminating OD, may be a mirage without stricter approaches, laws, and sanctions for behavioral change. The domiciliation of these within grassroot governments and social workers' involvement in sanitation promotion are suggested. HIGHLIGHTS Re-evaluation of CLTS in rural areas. Sanitation behavior patterns and predisposing factors to open defecation practice. The place of social work and environment health. Need for eco-centric curricula development in social work education.

PURPOSE:Disability is one of the various challenges that people face around the world. People with disabilities are confronted with a lot of challenges, and they experience depression, social marginalization, and isolation. The study aims to explore the situation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.METHOD:To conduct this study, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data from 45 purposively selected study participants (40 persons living with disabilities, and 5 chairpersons of a joint association of persons living with disabilities).RESULTS:Findings showed that some of the challenges facing persons living with disabilities in Nigeria include environmental, educational, and socio-economic challenges.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:In conclusion, to overcome some of these challenges social workers should advocate for inclusive strategies and one way this can be realized is by the domestication and implementation of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have resuscitated different mindsets in people. While much attention has been focused on the effect on health and the economic system, the study diverted attention to the disrupted social life and psychological trauma caused by the pandemic. This qualitative study explored people's experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they will be leveraged to promote social service delivery through social work intervention in the post-pandemic era. The data were collected through phone interviews involving 12 participants, comprising both social workers and nonsocial workers within the Southeast geopolitical zone. The generated data were analyzed thematically and arranged in quotes. The study found that the pandemic has both positive and negative implications for the social and psychological well-being of people. However, there was no effective engagement of social workers' intervention amidst the need for social service during the pandemic. As a result, the level of preparedness of social workers for effective social service delivery in the post-pandemic era is not adequate. However, the finding reveals prospects for social work in Nigeria. The study suggests a swift government response, which will involve revitalizing the social work profession in Nigeria to enhance social service delivery. Also, social work, especially in the health care setting, should leverage this to make its voice heard in society through enhanced education and practice. However, future research should consider exploring new perspectives in social work education and practice based on the experience of COVID-19 to ensure better social service delivery.

Recent World Health Organization records show that hypertension is more common in Africa than in other parts of the world, and remains a major common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, renal diseases, and death. However, little is known about hypertension management strategies among people in rural areas. Therefore, this phenomenological study aimed to investigate knowledge of hypertension management strategies among middle-aged adults in rural areas of Anambra state. Focus group discussions were used to collect data from 40 middle-aged adults (20 males and 20 females). The data were analysed thematically. Results showed that the participants were all aware of hypertension but lacked in-depth knowledge of disease management strategies. Most of the participants did not believe that engaging in regular physical exercise/activity, and other factors like reduction in salt and alcohol intake could help in controlling high blood pressure. Social workers who are also social service providers are needed to raise awareness among middle-aged people in rural areas about hypertension management strategies. This can be done through the provision of social services like education, health services, and transport services, as this will go a long way in helping rural dwellers gain more knowledge of hypertension management strategies. With the provision of health services, the rural population will not only know management strategies for hypertension but will also be able to check their blood pressure regularly, while transport services will make it possible for the rural population who do not have health centres in their community and means of transporting themselves to the neighbouring community for treatment to do so. Future research should focus on the importance of welfare/home visits as an avenue for awareness creation on hypertension management strategies, as this will be an avenue for the provision of better social services for people in rural areas and an improvement in social service research.

Obstetric fistula is a chronic health condition that leaves affected women medically, socially, physically, and psychologically battered and traumatized. Those with the health condition live their lives as a social recluse because of the unpleasant smell the disease produces in them thereby making people avoid them. Adequate social support to those affected by the disease from all quarters has helped in the management and prevention of the health condition. This study, therefore, aims at exploring and connecting the link between social work and social support in the management of obstetric fistula in Nigeria and the reintegration of survivors into the society. The study adopted a qualitative approach using interviews and focus group discussions to collect data from 51 participants, and the data were thematically analyzed. The results of the study highlighted the potential roles of social workers in enhancing social support for the management and reintegration of victims of obstetric fistula in Nigeria. The findings also revealed challenges confronting social workers in enhancing social support in fistula victims. Findings from the study have implication for policy development, hence, the full involvement and expansion of the coverage of social workers in maternal and public health is recommended.

Currently, the commonest hidden form of abuse or violence that is connected to cultural beliefs and societal settings is intimate partner violence (IPV). The need to understudy intimate partner violence among female undergraduate students in Nigeria as well as the impact of IPV on females cannot be overemphasized. This qualitative study involved 15 undergraduate female students in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria. Fifteen in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted, and semi-structured questions were used for data collection, and Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) was used to analyze the data. Themes such as forms of IPV, mental health issues and IPV, as well as the impact of IPV were generated for the study. Results revealed that emotional violence was the commonest form of IPV experienced while low self-esteem and depression were the mental disorders prevalent among female students experiencing IPV. These challenges lead to suicide, dropping out of school, lack of concentration, and poor academic performance. The study suggests that enlightenment and sensitization programs by social workers and other relevant professionals, as well as the introduction of compulsory courses that sensitize students on IPV, should be introduced.

PurposeObstetric fistula is a chronic health condition that leaves affected women battered and traumatized, thereby exposing them to social recluse life as a result of associated discomfort and odor. Support services to those with challenging health conditions are reputed to help cushion the adverse effects on them; thus women with fistula and other chronic diseases receiving adequate support will help them to cope and recuperate from such illnesses. This study explores the factors limiting and boosting access to support services for those with obstetric fistulainNigeria.Materials and MethodFocus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews were employed to obtain data from 44 participants. The thematic data analysis method was deployed in analyzing the data collected.ResultsFactors like the limited number of fistula specialist doctors, poor funding, withdrawal from seeking help, long distance, and discrimination limit patients' access to support services and adequate fistula care. The study highlighted that community involvement in fistula care, adequate funding, training, and retraining of professionals will boost support services for fistula patients.ConclusionThe study recommends the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of obstetric fistula patients including the involvement of not only medical personnel but also social workers, families, groups, and community leaders.

The intensifying incidence of conflict in Nigeria raises concern about conflict management. The post-independence era in Nigeria has seen the country witnessing several agitations, issues and conflict which requires professional attention. Social workers are expected to be at the forefront of conflict management campaigns and implementation, hence, the question of their readiness and preparedness to meet these expectations arise. This article evaluates the extent to which the degree curriculum of the Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka conforms to the expectations. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from purposively selected 16 undergraduates and four postgraduates. Findings revealed that enough conflict management contents are offered in the curriculum, but participants suggested the need for a review of the curriculum; incorporating indigenous ways of managing conflict. Finally, the study recommends avenues for further development of conflict management within social work education; identifying some research avenues and delineating course content.

IntroductionEvery child deserves the right to life. In Nigeria like other African countries, a high burden of child mortality prevails. Attaining a low-mortality rate of children entails that mothers who are the primary caregivers are in the best position to provide quality healthcare management.MethodWith the phenomenological approach in qualitative research, the researchers sourced data using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDI) from 38 mothers of various categories. The participants were purposively selected from four government and mission health institutions in a semi-urban Nsukka town, Enugu State. Data were analyzed thematically.FindingsResults revealed that mothers utilize health institutions including government, mission, private, pharmacies and patent medicine vendors when seeking healthcare for their children. Their inability to recognize potential life-threatening conditions is the leading factor in increasing child mortality. Findings show that because participants were concerned about financial challenges; they were ready to adopt traditional medicine as an alternative to modern medicine. The study showed evidence of unsafe strategies mothers adopt for the health management of their under-five children with common illnesses. Participants indicated little knowledge of social workers' engagement in health institutions.ConclusionHealthy living is essential in the protection from illnesses. Since under-five children are vulnerable to illnesses, their mothers should provide them with quality healthcare management. The study recommends that social workers' engagement with health providers and users in semi-urban societies could help propagate healthcare awareness and strategies in mothers' choice of health management for under-five children in Nigeria. Overall, adequate health policy consideration should be given to all under-five children in Nigeria.

Juvenile delinquency has been on the rise as well as the number of delinquents that go to remand homes to forestall the continuous perpetration of criminal behaviors through rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration. Unfortunately, optimal rehabilitation and reintegration of delinquents have been difficult to achieve in Nigerian remand homes owing to several challenges. These limitations continue to hamper the objectives of these institutions aimed at rehabilitating young offenders to fit back into society. Ten participants, which includes 5 rehabilitated, reformed, and discharged juveniles and 5 staff of the Juvenile Remand Home were selected for the study using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected using In-depth Interviews (IDIs). Generated data were transcribed and analyzed using themes and quotes. Findings revealed that poor facilities and low content program, ill-trained and unprofessional staff, attitudes of some juveniles, lack of trained social workers, and poor funding are some of the barriers that affect the effective operations of the institution; while stigmatization, cultural/religious belief, negative attitudes, and lack of social assistance from families and friends affect the reintegration of the rehabilitated juveniles. The study recommended adequate provision of funds and recruitment of more professionals including social workers for effective rehabilitation and reintegration processes.

Oftentimes, older adults experience a decline in health as they age. In Nigeria and other African countries, caregiving for older adults is usually a filial responsibility. With the decline in health and increasing demand for care, family members often require the assistance of paid informal caregivers. These are unskilled workers, extended relations and personal care attendants who shoulder the responsibility of providing services to older adults whose family members are not able to provide regular caregiving. This study explored paid informal caregivers’ management of older adults’ health demands and its implication for social work professionals in contemporary Nigerian society. The study employed a qualitative research method. Focus Group discussions (FGDs) were utilized to elicit data from 48 participants residing in Enugu State, Nigeria. Data was coded into parent and child notes. An inductive coding approach was adopted to provide meaning to the coded data as we studied the transcripts. Codes with similar characteristics were grouped thematically. We found that various challenges experienced by paid informal caregivers in the management of older adults’ health demands were gender preference, age, health status of older adults and low financial reward. The reward received is not commensurate with the provided services and so they experience burden, stress and unsatisfied life. It was also found that paid informal caregivers adopt inadequate coping strategies and have no knowledge of health apparatus utilized in care management, owing to lagging care support. It is essential to revitalize the traditional community-based care system since care for older adults is gradually eroding to paid informal caregivers in contemporary Nigerian society. This is a clear indication that care for older adults is threatened. There is a need for social work professionals to work in collaboration with families and caregivers in various community settings. Overall, adequate health policy consideration should be given to all older adults in Nigeria.

Like most low-and-middle-income countries, Nigeria has been finding it difficult to meet the basic needs of her populace including their health needs. Nigerians are dying of preventable diseases because of poverty and the lack of a functional healthcare system. As a result, the Nigerian government introduced the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to cater to the health needs of its population. This study assessed the knowledge, accessibility and utilization of the NHIS among registered employees of federal government institutions in Ebonyi state. The study used Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) to collect data from 43 participants. The collected data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that most of the participants have accessed and utilized the scheme and saw it as a good healthcare system. They also reported a lack of most of the prescribed drugs and inadequate personnel at the NHIS clinics which is impacting the effectiveness of the scheme. The paper recommends that NHIS should create more awareness about the scheme, and cover more dependents, drugs, tests, and treatment bills to make it more effective in healthcare delivery.

With the growing economic and sociopolitical challenges, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing use of social media, Nigeria is recording a continuous increase in mental health problems. Social workers are expected to be at the forefront of mental health management, which begs the question of whether student social workers are ready for mental health practice. This paper sets out to find out the extent to which the content of the undergraduate curriculum of the Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, prepares the students to practice in the field of mental health. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from 20 purposively selected undergraduate social work students. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the generated data. Findings show that the students who participated in the study believed that the curriculum has sufficient mental health courses to prepare them to practice in the field of mental health. Highlighting the paramount role of educators, the participants also indicated a need to improve the delivery of the course contents by educators. With this, it is necessary to introduce practical context-based and innovative delivery methods like the recent use of video simulations for mental health service delivery training.

The importance placed on passing Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) in Nigeria has led to the emergence of 'Miracle Examination Centres' (MECs). MECs are schools where candidates get undeserving excellent SSCE results through institutionally enabled malpractice. This undermines the Nigerian education sector and its leadership. But well-researched empirical evidence on MECs in Nigeria is scarce. Through a reconnaissance technique (recce), we provide new evidence on MECs' activities, including their nature and patronage, while providing informed remedial pointers that can be harnessed by the education sector leadership. Interviews were conducted with 97 persons, comprising community members, teachers, and school owners across 16 communities in four study sites (Abuja, Anambra, Edo, and Kogi), and data were supported by observations. Elicited data were thematically analysed. Findings show that MECs were more interested in rents (informal and undue fees) by compromising SSCE standards and less interested in academic training. Community members were aware of the activities of MECs and could readily identify or discuss them. We uncovered the adopted processes in facilitating this kind of malpractice. A feasible strategy to address MECs and similar examination fraud syndicates across countries is for the education sector leadership to strategically focus on the demand and supply sides.