Social Work – Subject Combinations and Admission Requirements

Social work is a rewarding profession focused on improving the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and groups.

If you aspire to become a social worker in Nigeria, it’s important to understand the admission requirements and the universities offering social work programs.

Admission Requirements for Social Work in Nigerian Universities

In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the prerequisites for UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) and Direct Entry admissions.

O’Level (UTME) Subjects & Requirements

To be eligible for social work programs, candidates must possess a minimum of five (5) SSC credits, which should include English Language, Mathematics, and three (3) subjects from either Social Sciences or Arts.

However, some universities have specific requirements and considerations:

1. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): Requires five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes, including English Language and any four (4) Social Science or Arts subjects.
2. Redeemers University, Osun State: Requires five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes, including Mathematics, English Language, and three (3) subjects from Social Sciences or Arts.
3. University of Calabar (UNICAL): The admission requirements are the same as Sociology.
4. University of Lagos (UNILAG): Requires ‘O’ level credit passes in Mathematics, English Language, any two (2) of Government/History, Economics, Geography, and Civic Education, and one of Literature in English, Christian Religious Studies/Islamic Studies, any Nigerian Language, and Biology.
5. University of Benin (UNIBEN): Requires five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes, including Mathematics, English Language, Economics, Government, Geography, or any other Social Science subject.

JAMB Subject Combination for Social Work

In the UTME, English Language is compulsory for social work.

In addition candidates are required to select the following three (3) subjects:

1. Mathematics
2. Economics/Geography
3. Any other subject

Special considerations and remarks for JAMB subject combinations

1. UNN and UNICAL: Accept any three (3) Arts or Social Science subjects.
2. UNILAG: Requires two (2) Social Science subjects and one Arts subject. Mathematics is also accepted.
3. UNIBEN: Requires two (2) Social Science subjects and any other subject.

Direct Entry Admission Requirements

Candidates who prefer the Direct Entry route should meet the following admission requirements:

1. Two (2) ‘A’ level passes in any subject.

Special considerations and remarks for Direct Entry

1. UNIBEN: Accepts two (2) ‘A’ level passes, including Government or History, or ND (upper credit) in relevant programs from a recognized Polytechnic/College of Technology, or HND (lower credit) in relevant programs from a recognized College of Technology or Polytechnic, or NCE credit in a Social Science subject from a recognized College of Education with at least an overall merit.
2. UNN: Requires two (2) ‘A’ level passes in addition to the UTME requirements.
3. UNILAG: Accepts very good passes in three (3) ‘A’ level/JUPEB subjects, including any three (3) of Economics, Geography, History, Government, and Christian Religious Studies/Islamic Studies, or ND in Social Development and Administration (SDA) with one-year post-qualification experience.

Nigerian Universities Offering Social Work

Several universities in Nigeria offer social work programs. Here are some of them:

1. Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State
2. University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
3. University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State
4. Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State
5. University of Lagos, Lagos State
6. University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State
7. Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State
8. Redeemers University, Osun State
9. University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State

FAQs

What are the common subject combinations required for studying Social Work?

For most universities, the typical subject combinations required for a degree in Social Work include:

1. English Language: Essential for communication and writing skills.
2. Social Studies or Sociology: Provides foundational knowledge of social behavior and institutions.
3. Psychology: Helps in understanding individual and group behavior.
4. Mathematics or Statistics: Often required to handle data and research.

Additionally, some institutions might accept related subjects like Health Science or Economics, depending on their curriculum.

What are the general admission requirements for a Social Work program?

Admission requirements for a Social Work program generally include:

1. High School Diploma or Equivalent: Completion of secondary education with relevant subjects.
2. Minimum Grade Requirements: A specific grade point average (GPA) or set grades in relevant subjects, typically around a C or above.
3. Entrance Examinations: Some programs may require standardized test scores or specific entrance exams.
4. Personal Statement or Essay: A written statement outlining your interest in Social Work and career aspirations.
5. Letters of Recommendation: References from teachers or professionals who can vouch for your suitability for the program.

Requirements can vary by institution, so it’s important to check specific details from the universities or colleges you’re interested in.

Are there any additional requirements for Social Work programs beyond academic qualifications?

Yes, many Social Work programs have additional requirements:

1. Work or Volunteer Experience: Practical experience in social services, counseling, or community work is often required or recommended.
2. Interviews: Some programs conduct interviews to assess your suitability and motivation for the field.
3. Criminal Background Check: Since Social Work involves working with vulnerable populations, a criminal background check may be necessary.
4. Health Requirements: Proof of health status or vaccinations may be required for placements or fieldwork.

Conclusion

If you have a passion for helping others and making a positive impact on society, social work may be the right career path for you.

By meeting the necessary admission requirements and choosing the right university, you can embark on a fulfilling journey in the field of social work.

We hope this blog post has provided you with valuable information to guide you in pursuing your dream of becoming a social worker in Nigeria.