UI Professor Urges Integration of Industrial Social Work into University Curricula
Professor Emmanuel Majekodunmi Ajala of the University of Ibadan advocates for the integration of industrial social work into university curricula to enhance professionals' skills in navigating dynamic business environments.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Professor Emmanuel Majekodunmi Ajala, an esteemed figure in the field of Industrial Social Work at the University of Ibadan, has emphasized the importance of integrating industrial social work into university curricula. His call to action aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving business landscape effectively.
Addressing a gathering at his valedictory lecture titled "I will continue where you have stopped: The Interplay between human resources managers and social workers in the workplace," Professor Ajala underscored the need for universities offering social work courses to prioritize the inclusion of industrial social work in their programs. This integration, he argued, would enable professionals to enhance their educational and professional skills in response to the dynamic nature of modern business environments.
The event, attended by notable personalities including the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Kayode Adebowale, highlighted the significance of industrial social work in fostering synergy between social workers and human resources personnel. Professor Ajala emphasized the emerging status of social work as a profession in Nigeria and the importance of aligning its practice with global standards.
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The enactment of the Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment) Act 2022, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, represents a significant milestone in regulating the practice of social work in Nigeria. Professor Ajala emphasized the role of the National Council for Social Work (NCSW) in ensuring adherence to operational standards and promoting uniformity in social work education and practice.
Despite the developmental stage of social work in Nigeria, Professor Ajala stressed the need for increased awareness and specialization in areas such as industrial social work. He highlighted the importance of the NCSW and its board in overseeing the development of policies and initiatives to enhance the social service workforce in Nigeria.
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