UI Senate Approves Nigeria’s First Faculty of Physiotherapy
The University of Ibadan (UI) has achieved another milestone in health professions education with the approval of the transformation of its Department of Physiotherapy into a full-fledged Faculty of Physiotherapy within the College of Medicine.
UI Senate Approves Nigeria’s First Faculty of Physiotherapy
The University Senate approved the development at its meeting on Monday, 31 August 2026, making UI home to Nigeria’s first Faculty of Physiotherapy.
The landmark decision strengthens the University’s pioneering legacy in physiotherapy education, research and clinical practice, while opening a new chapter in the development of the profession in Nigeria and beyond.
From a Small Programme to a Faculty
The journey dates back almost seven decades. In October 1957, Miss S. M. Evans, then Vice-Chairman of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, London, was invited by the Nigerian Government to assess facilities for physiotherapy training in Nigeria.
Following subsequent developments, the University of Ibadan Senate approved a three-year degree programme in Physiotherapy in May 1964. The first two students were admitted into the B.Sc. Physiotherapy programme in October 1966.
The programme initially operated with limited resources, including a single Associate Lecturer and no dedicated facilities. Classes were held in makeshift classrooms at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Over time, the programme underwent several stages of institutional development. It was administered through the Dean’s Office from 1966 to 1971, became part of the Orthopaedic Unit of the Department of Surgery from 1971 to 1977, and later operated as a Physiotherapy Unit of the Department of Surgery from 1977 to 1981.
In 1981, the programme attained full departmental status.
Since then, the Department has expanded its academic programmes, facilities, staff strength, research activities and areas of specialisation. Its undergraduate programme progressed from the B.Sc. Physiotherapy degree to the Bachelor of Physiotherapy and, more recently, the Doctor of Physiotherapy.
Postgraduate training has also expanded to include Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programmes across major areas of physiotherapy specialisation.
The Department currently has 12 lecturers, including four Professors, with all but two academic staff members holding doctoral degrees.
New Faculty Structure
The establishment of the Faculty reflects the growing scope and complexity of physiotherapy as a health profession and creates a stronger framework for specialised teaching, advanced research, clinical training and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The new Faculty will comprise five departments:
- Department of Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
- Department of Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
- Department of Neurological Physiotherapy
- Department of Sports and Recreational Physiotherapy
- Department of Occupational Therapy
The Department’s postgraduate training is particularly distinguished by four major areas of specialisation:
- Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
- Neurological Physiotherapy
- Sports and Recreational Physiotherapy
Looking Ahead
The Faculty of Physiotherapy is expected to create greater opportunities for academic development, curriculum improvement, staff development, student engagement, research excellence and clinical innovation.
In line with the University of Ibadan’s vision, the Faculty aims “to be a world-class physiotherapy training and research centre.”
Its mission is to provide high-quality education and research, advance the science and practice of physiotherapy specialities, and equip students and professionals with the expertise, critical thinking and ethical principles required for excellence in education, clinical practice and research.
The University expects the new Faculty to deepen its contribution to healthcare delivery, human-resource development, research and innovation while strengthening collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
The establishment of the Faculty represents the culmination of decades of pioneering work by the University’s academic and clinical staff, alumni and successive leaderships.
From makeshift classrooms and a single Associate Lecturer in the 1960s to a mature academic discipline offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral training, the development of Physiotherapy at the University of Ibadan represents a remarkable transformation.
With Senate approval on 31 August 2026, the University has opened a new chapter in its pioneering history and reaffirmed its commitment to shaping the future of physiotherapy education, research and clinical practice in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
UI Senate Approves Nigeria’s First Faculty of Physiotherapy
UI Senate Approves Nigeria’s First Faculty of Physiotherapy
UI Senate Approves Nigeria’s First Faculty of Physiotherapy
UI Senate Approves Nigeria’s First Faculty of Physiotherapy
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