The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has called on stakeholders in the health sector to build on the enduring legacy of renowned physiotherapy pioneer, Pa (Dr.) Thompson Abayomi Oshin by embracing innovation, research and technology to strengthen rehabilitation services in Nigeria.
The Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, made the call at a public lecture titled “The Past, Present and Future of Nigerian Physiotherapy” held in Ibadan to mark Pa Oshin’s 100th birthday.
Represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof. Bukola Adesina, Otegbayo described the centenarian as the father of physiotherapy in Nigeria and Africa, whose pioneering contributions transformed the profession and produced generations of specialists.
According to him, Pa Oshin, who joined UCH in 1955 as the country’s only chartered Nigerian physiotherapist, pioneered key rehabilitation units, became the hospital’s first Head and Consultant Physiotherapist, co-founded the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy and helped establish the University of Ibadan’s physiotherapy degree programme.
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He said physiotherapy has become a vital component of modern healthcare, with practitioners playing key roles in rehabilitation, preventive care and the management of chronic and neurological conditions.
Otegbayo stressed that the profession must embrace artificial intelligence, robotics, tele-rehabilitation, digital health solutions and specialist training while strengthening research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
He urged younger physiotherapists to emulate Pa Oshin’s values of excellence, integrity and selfless service, saying the centenary celebration underscored that true impact is measured by lives transformed and institutions built rather than years lived.
The guest lecturer, Dr Kamaldeen Sanni, urged the Federal Government to recognise physiotherapists as first-contact healthcare professionals, arguing that graduates of the Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) programme are equipped to assess patients independently and make referrals where necessary.
He also called on the government to abandon plans to introduce physiotherapy technicians, describing the proposal as retrogressive.
Sanni, however, advocated greater investment in training more physiotherapists, expanding rehabilitation services and supporting the establishment of faculties of physiotherapy and Colleges of Rehabilitation.
“The future of physiotherapy is already here. What we want is for that future to be brighter,” he said, noting that physiotherapy has become indispensable in the management of stroke, neurological disorders, chronic pain and other rehabilitation needs.
In his goodwill message, Emeritus Professor Oluwole Akande, pioneer Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, described Pa Oshin as a national treasure and Africa’s foremost physiotherapy pioneer whose century-long life exemplifies dedication, integrity and service.
He said the centenarian laid the foundation for a profession that has restored hope and mobility to millions and inspired generations of physiotherapists through his vision and commitment to excellence.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Health Sector, Dr Akinfemi Akinyode, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to advancing physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.
She highlighted Oyo’s historic role as the cradle of physiotherapy education in West Africa and noted that the state has the largest government-employed physiotherapy workforce in Nigeria and is the first to deploy physiotherapists across all 33 local government areas at the primary healthcare level.
She reiterated the government’s vision of positioning Oyo as Nigeria’s rehabilitation hub through sustained investment in specialist training, research and policies that integrate rehabilitation into universal health coverage.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, UCH, Dr Raymond Oluseyi Olaseinde, said the lecture was organised not only to celebrate Pa Oshin’s remarkable achievements but also to inspire reflection and renewed commitment to advancing the profession.
He urged younger physiotherapists to uphold the values of excellence, integrity and selfless service exemplified by the centenarian.
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