15+ Social Work Courses in Nigeria | Schools, Requirements, and Fees

If you’re passionate about helping others and making a difference, then social work might be the career for you. There are plenty of universities in Nigeria that offer social work courses, and we are going to discuss them. From the different schools and their requirements to the fees you can expect, and even the courses.

The beauty of social work is that it’s a career with a heart. So, it doesn’t matter if you want to work with children, the elderly, or people with mental health issues, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives.

In Nigeria, you can find universities offering these social work courses, and these courses will prepare you to work in different places and sectors where you can live your dream of impacting the lives of people.

Social work
What is Social Work as a course?
Is Social Work a course worthy to be studied in the University?
Is Social Work lucrative in Nigeria?
Social Worker Courses in Nigeria
Which course is best for social work?
Social worker course requirements
What are the subjects for Social Work in jamb?
Which university is best to study social work in Nigeria?
How many years does it take to become a social worker in Nigeria?
Social worker school fees in Nigeria
Where can I work if I study social work in Nigeria?
FAQs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

Social work is basically all about helping people, communities, and society at large to improve their lives and reach their full potential.

As a social worker, you could be doing all sorts of things from providing counseling to helping people find jobs, to advocating for the rights of the disadvantaged. You might work in hospitals, schools, government agencies, or even NGOs.

Basically, you’ll be using your empathy, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of human behavior to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Read: Top 10+ Physiology Courses in Nigeria | Institutions and Fees

The Social Work course is all about preparing you to work in the social work field. It teaches you the skills, knowledge, and values you need to help individuals, families, and communities. It’s basically like learning how to help others navigate through life’s problems.

As a social work student, you’ll learn about things like human behavior, psychology, sociology, and even law. You’ll also get practical experience through internships and practicums, where you can apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations.

Social work is a really worthwhile course to study at university. Here’s why:

First, it’s a course that teaches you skills that can be applied in a variety of settings. You can work in hospitals, schools, government agencies, NGOs, and more.

Second, it’s a course that’s all about helping others. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the world, social work is a great way to do that. Third, social work is a field that’s growing.

Finally, social work is a course that can lead to really fulfilling and rewarding careers. You’ll get to meet and help all sorts of people from different walks of life, and you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in their lives.

So, if you’re looking for a career that’s both challenging and fulfilling, social work is definitely worth considering. It’s a course that can open up a lot of doors for you, and you’ll be making a real difference in the world.

You know what they say, money isn’t everything, but it’s definitely nice to have! Social work may not be the highest paying profession in Nigeria, but it can still be a lucrative career choice.

Starting off, an entry-level social worker might make around ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 per month. But, with experience and higher qualifications, you can earn much more. Senior social workers in Nigeria can make up to ₦446,000 per month, which is not too bad!

See the top social work courses in Nigeria:

Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW)

Master of Science in Social Work (MSW)
Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Work
Advanced Diploma in Social Work
Diploma in Social Work
Diploma in Community Development
Certificate in Social Work
Certificate in Community Development
Certificate in Family Therapy
Certificate in Counselling
Certificate in Child Protection and Child Rights
Certificate in Mental Health Counselling
Certificate in Gender and Development
Certificate in HIV/AIDS Management
Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building
Certificate in Geriatric Social Work

This is one of the most common and popular courses for aspiring social workers in Nigeria. The BSW is a four-year undergraduate program that covers a wide range of topics, from psychology and sociology to law and community development.

During your BSW program, you’ll learn about human behavior, social policies, and the social welfare system. As a BSW student, you’ll also get to learn how to work with individuals, families, and communities in need.

You’ll be learning about crisis intervention, counseling, case management, and social research. These skills are essential for a social worker to be able to make a real difference in people’s lives.

The MSW is a postgraduate degree that builds on the knowledge and skills you developed in your BSW program. It is one of the best Master of social work courses.

An MSW program usually takes about two years to complete. During this time, you’ll deepen your understanding of human behavior and social welfare, as well as develop advanced skills in assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation.

As a graduate student, you’ll also conduct research, work with clients, and explore the theory and practice of social work.

Also, see: List Of Courses Under Science In Nigeria Universities And Their Cut-off Mark | 2024

The Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Work (PGDipSW) is a one-year program that provides an introduction to social work theory and practice.

This course is for those who already have an undergraduate degree in a related field, but want to switch to social work. The PGDipSW is also a great stepping stone for those who want to pursue an MSW later on.

During the PGDipSW program, you’ll study a range of topics, such as human behavior, social policy, and research methods.

An Advanced Diploma in Social Work (ADSW) is a two-year program that focuses on providing students with advanced knowledge and skills in social work.

It’s similar to the BSW program, but it’s shorter and doesn’t require the same level of academic preparation. The ADSW is a great option for those who want to become social workers but don’t have an undergraduate degree.

This course covers topics such as human behavior, social welfare, counseling, and community development. You’ll also get hands-on experience through internships and fieldwork.

This one is a one-year program that’s designed for students who have completed secondary education. This course provides a basic understanding of social work theory and practice.

The Diploma in Social Work covers topics such as human development, sociology, psychology, and social welfare.

After completing the diploma, you’ll be qualified to work in entry-level positions in social service organizations, such as community centers, hospitals, and schools.

6. Diploma in Community Development

The Diploma in Community Development (DipCD) is a one-year program that focuses on the principles and practices of community development.

Community development is all about working with communities to improve their living conditions and promote social change. The DipCD teaches you how to work with people, communities, and organizations to promote health, education, and economic development.

During the program, you’ll learn about topics such as community engagement, project planning, and conflict resolution. You’ll also gain practical experience through fieldwork.

A Certificate in Social Work is a short-term program, usually lasting about six months. This course provides a basic understanding of social work theory and practice.

This certificate course in social work covers topics such as human behavior, social welfare, and counseling.

This course is ideal for those who want to gain a basic understanding of social work and its principles, but aren’t ready to commit to a full diploma or degree program.

8. Certificate in Community Development

A Certificate in Community Development provides an introduction to community development theory and practice.

During the course, you’ll learn about topics such as community engagement, project planning, and leadership. You’ll also gain practical experience through fieldwork and group projects.

This certificate is great for those who want to learn more about community development, but aren’t ready to commit to a full diploma or degree program. It’s also a good option for those who are already working in the field and want to expand their knowledge and skills.

9. Certificate in Family Therapy

This social work course teaches you the principles and practices of family therapy.

This course is for those who are interested in helping families and couples deal with issues such as conflict, communication, and emotional regulation.

During the course, you’ll learn about topics such as family dynamics, communication, and therapeutic techniques. You’ll also gain practical experience through supervised clinical practice.

This certificate is a good option for those who are already working in a related field, such as social work or psychology, and want to add family therapy skills to their toolkit.

10. Certificate in Counselling

A Certificate in Counselling is a bit like a mini-crash course in the art of being a helpful, supportive listener. During this short but sweet program, you’ll learn all about different techniques for listening and talking with people in need of support.

You’ll gain a basic understanding of counseling principles and methods that’ll equip you to offer some help to friends, family or even in a professional setting.

11. Certificate in Child Protection and Child Rights

Imagine the Certificate in Child Protection and Child Rights as your guidebook for keeping kids safe. It is what this program offers you and it is one of the best social work courses in Nigeria, and one of the best social work programmes for anyone.

In this program, you’ll learn how to spot the signs of child abuse or neglect and how to take action to protect children. You’ll also get a good grasp on the laws and policies that protect children’s rights.

Plus, you’ll get a chance to explore real-life scenarios and how to handle them. You’ll be the Robin Hood of child protection in no time!

12. Certificate in Mental Health Counselling

If you want to be a mental health guru and guide others on their journey to mental wellness, this course is for you. It’s a must-have for anyone who wants to study and understand mental health and learn how to best support those who are struggling.

During this program, you’ll learn how to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. You’ll gain a solid understanding of mental health, from the basics to more complex issues.

13. Certificate in Gender and Development

A Certificate in Gender and Development is the key to unlocking the secrets of equality and empowerment! It’s a real eye-opener to the world of gender issues, from unequal pay to discriminatory laws and everything in between.

This course covers the ins and outs of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the development sector. You’ll learn about the relationship between gender and development, how to advocate for gender equality, and strategies to promote gender equality.

14. Certificate in HIV/AIDS Management

The Certificate in HIV/AIDS Management is a course that’s on the front lines of the fight against HIV/AIDS. It’s all about learning how to manage and support people living with HIV/AIDS and understanding how this disease affects society as a whole.

This short-term course will give you a solid foundation in understanding HIV/AIDS, including how it’s transmitted, how it affects the body, and how to prevent its spread.

Also, you’ll learn about how to support people living with HIV/AIDS and how to address the stigma surrounding this disease.

15. Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building

A Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building is the ultimate toolkit for building bridges and finding common ground in even the most intense situations.

You’ll learn how to navigate conflicts, whether it’s between individuals, communities, or even countries. It’s like having a secret weapon to diffuse tension and bring people together.

This course covers everything from the roots of conflict to the techniques for resolving disputes and promoting peace. You’ll learn how to understand different perspectives, communicate effectively, and manage emotions in tense situations.

Also,, you’ll gain the skills to mediate and facilitate dialogue in conflicts of all kinds.

The Certificate in Geriatric Social Work is the perfect training ground for becoming the ultimate champion of the elderly population.

You’ll learn everything from helping seniors manage physical and mental health issues to advocating for their rights and ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.

This course will give you the skills and knowledge to understand the unique needs of older adults and how to provide support to them. You’ll learn how to assess their physical, psychological, and social needs and how to develop appropriate interventions.

Also, read: 25+ Best Courses to Study In Nigeria | 2024

Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) is the best social work course in Nigeria.

When it comes to social work in Nigeria, you want a course that’s gonna give you the skills to tackle mental health issues head on and help you navigate the unique challenges of the country. And that’s where the Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) really shines.

The MSW course is designed to prepare you to work in a variety of settings, from hospitals and clinics to schools and NGOs. And with all the crazy stuff going down in Nigeria lately, trust me, there’s no shortage of opportunities for a social worker to make a real impact.

So, when you choose the MSW course, you’ll get a strong foundation in the theory and practice of social work. You’ll learn how to assess and diagnose mental health issues, develop treatment plans, and implement interventions.

But the real beauty of the MSW course is that it’s tailored to the needs of Nigeria. You’ll learn about the cultural, economic, and political factors that impact the mental health and wellbeing of Nigerians. And that’s what makes the MSW such a valuable course in the field of social work.

We will breakdown the requirements to study social work in Nigeria:

Undergraduate Program Requirements

Senior Secondary School Examination/General Certificate of Education with five credits, including English language and a science subject.
JAMB entrance examination.
OND certificate in Social Work/Community Development for Direct Entry option.

Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Programme Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related discipline (minimum of third-class).
Higher National Diploma (HND) at lower Credit level or equivalent in a related discipline.
Degree holders from other disciplines.

Master’s Program Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related discipline, with a minimum of second-class lower division from a recognized university.
PGD in Social Work with a CGPA of at least 3.0 on a 5-point scale.
At least three years post-graduation work experience for HND holders.

Doctorate Program Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work or a related discipline, with a minimum of second-class lower division from a recognized university.
At least three years post-graduation work experience for HND holders.
A CGPA of at least 3.5 on a 5-point scale in Master’s program.

So, those are the general requirements for getting into social work programs in Nigeria. Of course, different schools may have slightly different requirements, so it’s best to check with the university you’re interested in.

You will need:

Mathematics
Economics/Geography
One other subject (usually from Arts, Sciences or Social Sciences)

Here are the best social work Universities in Nigeria:

1. University of Nigeria

The University of Nigeria (UNN) is a top choice for studying social work in Nigeria. It’s been around for ages, so you know it’s got the experience and prestige to back it up.

UNN’s social work program ranks 11th in Africa and 432nd in the world, so you know it’s legit. And their acceptance rate is 38%, which means it’s not quite as selective as UI’s, but still pretty competitive.

Plus, their social work program covers both social work and community development, which means you’ll be learning how to help people at all levels of society. And the great thing is, they prepare their students to work in just about any sector—government, NGOs, you name it.

Visit school

2. University of Benin

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is not just any social work program—it’s one of the top programs in Africa, ranked 12th, and in the world, ranked 436th.

So you know that by studying social work at UNIBEN, you’re getting some of the best training out there. And, with a program focused on values like social justice and human rights, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in the world.

Visit school

3. University of Ibadan

This is one of Nigeria’s top universities, and its social work program is top-notch. UI’s social work program has a super selective acceptance rate of only 11%, which means they’re only admitting the best of the best.

So, the University of Ibadan (UI) is no joke. Their social work program is one of the best in Africa, ranked 28th, and in the world, ranked 915th.

Getting into this program is no easy feat, but once you’re in, you’ll be learning from the best. With a focus on values like service and social justice, UI’s social work program will equip you with the skills to assess and solve social problems in a way that puts people first.

Visit school

Generally, social work course is 4-year programme in Nigeria. But, ff you have an OND (Ordinary National Diploma) in Social Work or Community Development, you can apply for the Direct Entry option in universities such as the University of Nigeria (UNN) or any other approved university.

This option shaves a year off your total study time, so you’ll be a qualified social worker in three years instead of four.

These fees are not readily available on any school’s website at the moment. Your best bet will be to check out the fees of the social sciences faculty for your choice of university, and even at that, the fees for the social work course will differ from the fees of the other courses under the same faculty.

So, it will be best to reach out to your school to make an inquiry about fees, and we will make sure to update that information once we receive a verified info.

Studying social work in Nigeria opens up a world of opportunities. Here’s a list of some of the places you can work:

NGOs and international organizations: Social workers are vital in organizations that focus on humanitarian and development work.
Government agencies: You could work for the Ministry of Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, or for state-run child protection and welfare agencies.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities: Mental health and counseling services, family support and crisis intervention are some of the areas where you can make a difference.
Schools and educational institutions: You can work with children and young people in schools, or provide mental health support and counseling services.
Private organizations: You could work as a counselor or therapist in private clinics, or provide HR and management services.
Community-based organizations: NGOs, community development centers and faith-based organizations often have a need for social workers to help address local challenges.
Self-employment: With the right training and experience, you can start your own social work practice, offering counseling, therapy and other services.

FAQs

Does Open University offer Social Work?

Yes. If helping those in need is your calling, look to Open University for social work courses that prepare you to work with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Which department is Social Work under?

Social work is under the Faculty of Social Sciences.

What degree is best for social work?

A Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) is the best degree.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, Nigeria offers some great solid social work courses. The schools, requirements, and fees may vary, but one thing’s for sure – social work is a noble and important field that helps make people’s lives better.

If you’re looking to make a difference, social work might just be your calling, and there are plenty of schools in Nigeria to help you get started.

References

edurank.org – Best universities for Social Work in Nigeria
samphina.com – Universities in Nigeria That Offer Social Work
socialscs.unn.edu – Social sciences admission requirements

15+ Social Work Courses in Nigeria | Schools, Requirements, and Fees