The Department of Social Work, College of Health Sciences, Ijero-Ekiti, on Friday, embarked on a learning tour to the Ekiti State headquarters of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), a radio station and other agencies.
Speaking with journalists, the Head of the Department of Social Work, Tolulope Ayo-Awe, explained that the purpose of the visits was to consolidate the theoretical aspects of learning in class as social workers in training and expose the students to real-life tasks.
She added that the tour aimed to provide students with hands-on experience, enabling them to see the “real world” beyond their classrooms.
In her words “We have visited several places to spark their interest in the profession, relate to it, and streamline to a particular area of their interest in the future.”
Earlier, the Ekiti State Commander of NDLEA, Sunday Aina, described illicit drugs as major challenges hindering youths from realizing their full potential, noting that the command has been working tirelessly to rid the state of illicit drugs.
Aina explained that illicit drugs are a catalyst for various forms of criminality in the state, disclosing that the command destroyed 192 tons of cannabis in 2024.
He urged the students and youths to desist from illicit drugs and beware of bad company. Furthermore, Officer Ifeoluwa Fabiyi, the state command PRO, delivered an informative lecture to the students about drug abuse.
The students also visited MIDAS FM to familiarize themselves with the station’s activities.
Moyinoluwa Ogundowole and Mr. Ibikunle from the social work department, who were also part of the learning tour, affirm that this visit was significant for enriching their education and allowing students to reflect on the roles of social workers, potentially sparking their interest and dedication to their studies.
One of the students, Patience Abah, said, “I feel truly fulfilled after this learning tour. I gained insights and can see that social work can be applied in any setting. I’m very happy now, so I can confidently tell people that I’m studying social work.
Other places visited included the Ekiti State Ministry of Women Affairs (Social Welfare Department), Moremi Clinic (SARC), Balm in Gilled Foundation, and Delightsome Oaks Orphanage.