Sharon Adurokiya, Reporting
THE University of Ibadan has etched its name in the annals of Nigerian academic history after its Senate approved the transformation of the Department of Physiotherapy into a full-fledged Faculty of Physiotherapy—the first of its kind in the nation.
The landmark decision was reached during the Senate meeting held on Monday, 31 August 2026, according to a statement released by the College of Medicine on its official website.
“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 statement read.
The newly established faculty will comprise five departments: Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedic Physiotherapy, Neurological Physiotherapy, Sports and Recreational Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy.
This bold academic expansion is expected to significantly deepen the university’s contribution to healthcare delivery, human-resource development, research and innovation. It is also anticipated to strengthen collaboration across disciplines and institutions, positioning UI as a trailblazer in health professions education.
The development marks yet another milestone for Nigeria’s premier university, which has long been at the forefront of academic excellence and innovation in the country.
The new faculty is poised to produce highly skilled physiotherapy professionals equipped to meet the growing healthcare demands of the nation, while advancing research and clinical practice in the field.
Stakeholders in the health sector have welcomed the move, describing it as a timely intervention that will address the critical shortage of specialised physiotherapy professionals and elevate the standard of rehabilitative care across Nigeria.
