Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, has presented 71 graduating Physiotherapy students for induction by the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria for the 2026 academic session. The induction ceremony was held recently at the university. This marks the seventh set of inducted physiotherapists from the institution's Physiotherapy programme, which commenced in 2015.
The Provost, College of Health Sciences, Bowen University, Professor Olufemi Awotunde, noted that the university is the first private institution in Nigeria to offer the Physiotherapy course. He urged the new physiotherapists to ensure that every encounter with patients reflects the character of professionals with purpose. Awotunde expressed confidence that the inductees will contribute to healthcare development in Nigeria.
The induction lecturer, Dr. Olufunke Taibat Akanle, spoke on the theme, "Graduation to Impact: A Physiotherapist with Purpose." Akanle emphasized that physiotherapists can either be career-driven or purpose-driven and encouraged the inductees to become purpose-driven professionals. She highlighted the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Akanle noted that primary physiotherapy healthcare remains inadequate in Nigeria, with fewer than 8,000 registered professionals serving a population of about 200 million people. She stressed that rehabilitation is a continuum, not a destination, and physiotherapists should continue to develop their skills in areas including robotics, artificial intelligence, and remote monitoring.
Representing the Registrar/CEO of the MRTB, Prof. Rufai Ahmad Yusuf, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the board, Dr. Adeniran Akinyele, advised the inductees that professional success depends on more than obtaining a certificate. He urged the new physiotherapists to build their careers around competence, compassion, integrity, courage, and purpose.
The Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Professor Jonathan Babalola, assured the government and healthcare sector that the institution will continue to produce reliable physiotherapists capable of contributing to the development of the country's health system. Babalola encouraged the inductees to see their work as a ministry and to remain compassionate and committed to learning.
At the end of the induction and awards ceremony, Okoro Chinma Deborah emerged as the overall best graduating student, while Ayorinde Favour Boluwatife came second, and Ohahuru Chizhi Janice placed third. The university's Physiotherapy programme has produced 71 inducted physiotherapists, who will join other professionals in contributing to healthcare development in Nigeria.
Key points
- Bowen University inducts 71 physiotherapists into Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria.
- Inducted physiotherapists urged to become purpose-driven professionals.
- Nigeria has fewer than 8,000 registered physiotherapists serving a population of about 200 million people.
