In a bid to bridge the gap between theory and practice, students from the Department of Social Work, University of Lagos (UNILAG), embarked on a field trip to the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development on Friday.
EpeInsights reports that the visit, part of their academic requirements, offered the students a firsthand look into the inner workings of social services and youth-focused programs in Lagos.
During the session, various Heads of Units and Departments within the Ministry shared their experiences and gave detailed insights into the roles and responsibilities that drive the Ministry’s operations.
Their presentations highlighted how these services align with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, focused on improving the quality of life for all Lagosians.
Welcoming the students, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, praised their initiative in stepping outside the classroom to engage directly with practitioners in the field.
“Social work is huge, multidisciplinary, and very challenging,” she said. “Your decision to learn from those already in the field shows your curiosity and determination to succeed.”
She encouraged the students to put into practice the knowledge gained during the visit, combining it with their academic learning to excel in a profession devoted to serving humanity.
“From the bottom of my heart, I wish you the very best in this noble profession. If you apply what you’ve learned here today, the sky will truly be your starting point,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Programme Coordinator, Dr. (Mrs.) Ayobade Adebowale, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry for offering the students a valuable and cost-free learning experience.
“This session has been truly eye-opening for the students. They now have a broader, more practical understanding of social work,” she said.
She noted that the students were taken through various arms of the Ministry’s operations, including; social welfare and human integration, youth development and rehabilitation, adoption services and child protection, correctional and elderly care and drug prevention initiatives like LASKADA (Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse)
This real-world exposure, according to her, complements the theoretical foundations the students receive in the classroom, giving them a more rounded perspective of the social work landscape in Lagos State. 
UNILAG
