It was all accolades as a foremost physiotherapist; Professor Aderonke Akinpelu gives her stewardship as an early physiotherapy educator in Nigeria at the University of Ibadan.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode Adebowale, who spoke at the valedictory ceremony marking the career of Professor Akinpelu said through her illustrious career, she has significantly impacted physiotherapy education and practice in Nigeria.
Adebowale, represented by a deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Ronke Baiyeroju, added, “She is widely regarded as a practitioner who bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, a trait that distinguishes her as a translational practitioner and educator in the field of physiotherapy.
“It is also notable that four of her protégées who were mentored at the University of Ibadan have achieved the rank of professor in physiotherapy, including Professor Daniel Odebiyi, the deputy provost at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos; Professor Adesola Odole; Professor Adidemi Tella and Professor Fatai Maruf.”
Provost of the College of Medicine at the University, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran said her 46 years of impressive academic and professional journey included the revision of the 5-year B Physiotherapy curriculum to a 6-year Doctor of Physiotherapy curriculum to ensure that physiotherapy education in Nigeria remains at par with global standards.
He added, “As we celebrate Professor Akinpelu, we also honour the values she embodies: integrity, humility, dedication, and compassion. Her life is a shining example of how one can excel professionally while remaining deeply rooted in family and faith. We celebrate you not only for what you have achieved but for the lives you have touched and the legacy you leave behind.”
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, Professor Odole, in her welcome address, described Professor Akinpelu as a pioneer, a mentor, and a legend in the field of physiotherapy.
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“Prof. Akinpelu’s name is synonymous with excellence, leadership, and vision in physiotherapy, particularly in the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, where her groundbreaking work has advanced the practice not just within our institution but across Nigeria.
“As a one-time head of the department and one of the pioneers of the Physiotherapy department at the University of Ibadan, her contributions have laid a solid foundation for the department’s enduring success. Today, we celebrate a legacy of commitment, compassion, and intellectual rigour. Your legacy is every life you have touched.”
Professor Akinpelu, in her valedictory lecture entitled “My Stewardship as an Early Physiotherapy Educator in Nigeria,” declared that incorporating outcome measures into clinical practice helps set goals and priorities, assess the effectiveness of care from the patient’s perspective, and meet the requirements of third-party healthcare payers.
“The use of outcome measures also allows healthcare providers to hear the “frantic” small voice of the patient that is often unheard. I appeal to those in charge of healthcare delivery in Nigeria to formulate and implement policies that ensure the use of outcome measures in their health facilities.”