Transform healthcare, Oyewumi charges newly inducted UNILORIN-trained physiotherapists
By Mustafa Abubakar
A renowned Physiotherapist, Prof. Taiwo Joseph Oyewumi, has charged the 89 newly inducted graduands of the University of Ilorin Physiotherapy programme to use their knowledge, skills and expertise to transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Prof. Oyewumi gave the charge last Tuesday (October 13,2026) while delivering the Induction Lecture, titled “The Nigerian Healthcare Ecosystem: The Place of the Physiotherapist,” at the 3rd Professional Induction and Admission Ceremony for Physiotherapy Graduands of the University.
He stressed that healthcare would remain incomplete without rehabilitation, restoration of function, prevention of disability and helping patients return to productive living, noting that physiotherapists play important roles in health education, preventive and curative care, habilitation and rehabilitation.
He explained that the Nigerian healthcare ecosystem comprises public and private sectors, with the patient at its centre and supported by hospitals, healthcare professionals, medical suppliers, technology and regulatory bodies.
Prof. Oyewumi explained that Physiotherapy practice covers musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, paediatric, geriatric, sports, community and public health Physiotherapy, stressing that physiotherapists are increasingly recognised as important members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
According to him, physiotherapists contribute to prevention, acute care, chronic disease management and community health promotion. At the primary healthcare level, they contribute to health promotion, prevention and community Physiotherapy; at the secondary level, they provide rehabilitation for surgical, orthopaedic and medical patients; while at the tertiary level, they provide specialist care, including intensive care, neurological rehabilitation, sports medicine, research and teaching.
Prof. Oyewumi highlighted the relevance of Physiotherapy to stroke and neurological conditions, musculoskeletal and sports injuries, cardiopulmonary conditions, trauma, maternal and child health and the needs of the elderly.
He advocated greater integration of rehabilitation into primary healthcare, national health policies and health insurance programmes, alongside increased research, evidence based practice, innovation, digital health adoption and international collaboration. He also urged physiotherapists to explore opportunities in occupational health and ergonomics, public health, policy advisory services, health technology entrepreneurship and sports medicine.
Speaking on professional excellence, Dr Oyewumi stressed that excellence is built through consistent efforts. He urged the graduands to embrace continuous learning, mentorship, research, publication, careful observation, honest work, innovation and service.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Etudaiye, reaffirmed the commitment of the University to producing graduates who combine sound academic knowledge with professional competence, research capacity and innovation.
Prof. Egbewole stressed that the responsibility of the University went beyond producing degree holders, noting the importance of producing well rounded graduates capable of applying their knowledge to real life challenges. He charged the newly inducted physiotherapists to remain worthy ambassadors of the University by upholding integrity, discipline and professionalism.
In his address, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. M.A.N.Adeboye, congratulated the graduands and urged them to remain committed to discipline, competence, compassion and service. He reminded them that induction was not the end of learning but the beginning of another phase of professional development.
