Challenges with the adoption of indigenous theories in Nigerian social work field practice

Abstract

Social work field practice is a major component of social work education programs where students learn to practice social work through educationally focused experienced in agencies and community settings. A social worker in an African setting, should be well equipped with indigenous African theories, which interacts with culture and norms of client’s environment. However, most social work students apply foreign theories and approaches during field work practice. This study investigates the challenges in the adoption of indigenous theories among students during social work field practice in Nigerian setting. The study adopted a qualitative method of data collection using the focus group discussion (FGD) and In-depth interview guide (IDI) in generating data among 80 social work students and 20 lecturers using multistage sampling technique. An informed consent form was used in the identification of participants who were interested in the study. The study revealed insufficient classroom training using indigenous theories as a major challenge in the adoption of indigenous theories. Recommendations for a reorientation of social work educators and adjustment in the social work curriculum to suit practitioner settings were made. Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE Nma-Njoku Alexandra Chukwu N A, Okafor N R & Idu A (2024). Challenges with the adoption of indigenous theories in Nigerian social work field practice. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 342-350. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.5