Episode 4: Social Work in Nigeria: Overlooked, Undervalued, but Essential

In this episode of Naija Minds Speak, we’re joined by Ganiyat (Olukemi) Kareem — a seasoned social work and development professional with expertise in mental health counselling, career counselling, product and program management as well as research in improving lives, health, and wellbeing of people and communities. She is the Founder of Mindful Well-being Foundation, a trauma-informed non-profit organisation providing mental health and psychosocial support to survivors of trauma among children and young people.

Through her leadership at Mindful Well-being Foundation — officially registered in 2023 but active since 2020 — Ganiyat advocates for survivors of violence, displaced persons, homeless youth, and vulnerable communities.

Tune in as we explore how social work in Nigeria—often overlooked and undervalued—remains essential to strengthening communities and supporting vulnerable populations.

To learn more about Ganiyat and the work she does, follow her on

Facebook:

• Mindful Well-Being Foundation

• Ganiyat O. Kareem

Instagram

• @houseofarraka

• @themwf_

Organizations mentioned

• ​Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW)

  • https://www.nasow.org/home

• The Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria (C-ISOWN)

  • https://www.c-isown.org/

• NSCDC:

  https://nscdc.gov.ng/

• Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare

  • https://www.health.gov.ng/

Nigerian Council for Social Work Act 2022 Publication [GAZETTED]

Some terms explained

• MHPSS: Mental Health Psychosocial Support

• Counseling VS Psychotherapy

  • Although used interchangeably, counseling is often referred to as mental health services for people with mild to moderate mental health issues, whereas psychotherapy is often provided for people with moderate to severe mental health issues