Landmark transformation strengthens the University’s pioneering legacy in physiotherapy education, research and clinical practice
The University of Ibadan has once again etched its name in the history of health professions education in Nigeria with the approval of the Department of Physiotherapy to become a full-fledged Faculty of Physiotherapy within the College of Medicine.
The University Senate took the landmark decision at the meeting held on Monday, 31 August 2026, making the University of Ibadan home to Nigeria’s first Faculty of Physiotherapy.
This historic development marks a major milestone in the evolution of physiotherapy education and professional training in Nigeria and another significant chapter in the long-standing tradition of innovation and academic leadership for which the University of Ibadan is renowned.
From Humble Beginnings to a Historic Faculty
The journey to this historic moment began almost seven decades ago.
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 and make recommendations. Initial efforts aimed at the establishment of a School of Physiotherapy at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, but eventually culminated in the approval of a three-year degree programme in Physiotherapy by the University of Ibadan Senate in May 1964.
The first set of students (2) were admitted into the B.Sc. (Physiotherapy) degree programme in October 1966. This represented the beginning of what would become one of Africa’s most distinguished centres for physiotherapy education and research.
The early years were characterised by remarkable resourcefulness. The programme initially operated with just one Associate Lecturer in 1966 and without dedicated facilities. Classes were conducted in makeshift classrooms within the University College Hospital. From such humble beginnings, the programme gradually developed its academic and professional manpower base.
A Pioneer in Nigeria and Beyond
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 subsequently operated as a Physiotherapy Unit of the Department of Surgery from 1977 to 1981.
In 1981, the programme attained full departmental status. Over the years, the Department expanded its academic programmes, facilities, staff strength, research activities and areas of specialisation. The undergraduate programme evolved from the B.Sc. Physiotherapy degree into the Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree and more recently, Doctor of Physiotherapy. Postgraduate training developed to include Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programmes across major areas of physiotherapy specialisation.
Today, the Department has 12 lecturers, including four Professors, with all but two members of the academic staff holding doctoral degrees.
Its postgraduate training has particularly distinguished itself through four major areas of specialisation:
- Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
- Neurological Physiotherapy
- Sports and Recreational Physiotherapy
Faculty of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy has evolved into a broad, specialised, and increasingly sophisticated profession addressing diverse health conditions across the lifespan.
The University of Ibadan’s Department of Physiotherapy has been at the forefront of this evolution. Its first-mover status in Nigeria and its longstanding contribution to manpower development and specialist training across West Africa have positioned it uniquely for the next phase of institutional development.
The emergence of specialised areas within physiotherapy has created the need for a stronger academic structure capable of supporting focused teaching, advanced research, specialist clinical training and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This has necessitated transformation from a Department to a Faculty and reflects the remarkable growth and increasing complexity of physiotherapy as a health profession.
The new Faculty will therefore provide an institutional framework for the continued development of these specialised areas while creating opportunities for greater academic growth, research excellence, curriculum development, staff development, student engagement and clinical innovation.
The Faculty structure includes:
- Department of Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
- Department of Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
- Department of Neurological Physiotherapy
- Department of Sports and Recreational Physiotherapy
- Department of Occupational Therapy
Building on a Distinguished Legacy
The establishment of the Faculty of Physiotherapy is not simply an administrative reorganisation. It is the culmination of decades of pioneering work, perseverance, academic development and professional leadership.
From makeshift classrooms and a single Associate Lecturer in the 1960s to a mature academic discipline with undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral training, specialist areas, research activities and a growing body of distinguished scholars, the story of Physiotherapy at the University of Ibadan is one of remarkable transformation.
The new Faculty is therefore being established on a foundation built over generations.
It builds on the contributions of the pioneers who laid the foundation, the academic and clinical staff who developed the programmes, the alumni who have carried the University’s training and values across Nigeria and beyond, and successive leaderships of the University, College of Medicine and Department of Physiotherapy whose support has sustained its growth.
Looking to the Future
The Faculty of Physiotherapy, in line with the University of Ibadan vision, will strive “to be a world-class physiotherapy training and research centre.” Its mission is centred on delivering high-quality education and research, advancing the science and practice of physiotherapy specialities, and empowering students and professionals with the expertise, critical thinking and ethical principles required for excellence in education, clinical practice and research.
The new Faculty is consequently expected to deepen the University’s contribution to healthcare delivery, human-resource development, research and innovation, while strengthening collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
For the University of Ibadan, this development is both a celebration of the past and a declaration of intent for the future.
It celebrates a pioneering tradition that began in 1966.
It honours a journey that transformed a small programme into a leading centre of physiotherapy education.
And it opens a new chapter in which the University of Ibadan will continue to shape the future of physiotherapy in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
A Historic Milestone
With the Senate’s approval on 31 August 2026, the University of Ibadan has once again demonstrated its enduring commitment to academic excellence, innovation and service to society.
The birth of the Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Ibadan, is not merely the creation of a new Faculty. It is the next chapter in an unfolding pioneering story spanning close to seven decades.
And, fittingly, that story continues at the University that started it all. The FIRST and the BEST.