Magazine 2014.cdr - Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy

ISSN 345-567-001
Vol. 9 No. 2
PROF Sunday Rufus
Akinwumi Akinbo: Meet the
man behind the name
PRESIDENT Taiwo Oyewumi
strikes alliance with APTA
…attends work summit in USA
UNIBEN and UNIILORIN
commence physiotherapy programs
AKURE 2013…The glitz and the glamour
as Dr Mimiko receives leadership award.
World Physiotherapy Day Activity Round Up
PAGE 44
11/2/2014
Physical Therapy Word Search Puzzle
CONTENT
Physiotherapy
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REPAIR
ROTATION
THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE
THERAPISTS
TISSUE
TREATMENT
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From the editor
Editorial board
Prof. Akinbo
President Corner
Milestones
Diaspora News
World Physiotherapy Day 2014
News Reel
Prof. Hamzat Inaugural Report
The City of Akure rolls out the red carpet
The APTA Alliance
NSP Inaugurates DPT Action Committee
Evolution of Physiotherapy in Abakaliki
53rd Annual National Scientific Conference
C.A.N.C.E.R
Ordinary General Meeting
NPPCN releases Fellowship by election list
Events Calendar
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PAGE 3
Fromtheeditor
Dreamscancometrue…
“If you don't build your dream,
someone else will hire you to
help them build theirs!”
- Dhirubhai Ambani
The quest to achieve a certain goal does not bore down to shear determination and passion alone.
Though these two components are very key, it is also pertinent to ensure that the role of unity in
diversity as well as commitment and dedication in teamwork drives the ambition.
The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy has come a long way and there is still a lot of ground to cover.
It will take all hands to be on deck with everyone displaying their sense of responsibility to the
profession. It is understood that not everyone will play a leadership role in the society but everyone
is as important as the leaders whose responsibility is to chart the blue print of moving the society
forward and attaining the recognition and status obtainable on a global stage. The World
Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT), our international voice is relentless in ensuring that the
advocacy continues and policies are driven to highlight the importance of the role physiotherapy
plays in the scheme of things. We need to resonate that voice and bring it home to the doorstep of
our policy makers and enlighten them to influence policies for the benefit of the nation. The time to
put an end to the identity crisis that we should have long left behind is now.
In this edition, we will get the insight on how President Taiwo Oyewumi has impacted using the
“UNITY PROJECT” landscape and has gone beyond borders to strike alliances with the American
Physical Therapy Association as well as consolidate our relationship with WCPT for the benefit of
our society. Prof SRA Akinbo also gives us an exclusive look into his world so you will get to know the
man behind the name. We also have coverage of his Inaugural Lecture titled “Unseen but Felt:
Torments of a Painful Back” which held in Lagos and attracted different people from all works of life.
We get to read about University of Benin and University of Ilorin starting physiotherapy programs
and are set for kickoff sooner rather than later. The exit of Mrs Abosede Okunuga for the Lagos State
Hospital's Management Board after 35 years of meritorious service to humanity and the profession
of physiotherapy. She was one woman who displayed passion and
integrity and will be
sorely missed in active service. Our regular columns also attempt to
give a
broad perspective on happenings across the nation and in diaspora.
In conclusion, we need to all realise that our collective
goal to achieve our dream of moving the society forward
lies with us all. Let us all join hands together to build.
Public Relations Officer/Editor-in-Chief
EDITORIALBOARD
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN
Bakare Ummukulthoum
Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos
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BAKARE UMMUKULTHOUM
Editor-in-Chief/Chairman
National PhysioNews
Department of Physiotherapy
Lagos University Teaching Hospital
Idi-Araba, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: +234 803 331 3438
Email:[email protected]
[email protected]
www.nigeriaphysio.org
PAGE 4
PROFESSOR SUNDAY RUFUS AKINWUMI
AKINBO
is a man of many parts. PHYSIONEWS was granted an
exclusive interview following his professorial appointment.
Born just before the civil war in Okutipupa LGA, Ondo state
on October 17, in the early 60s. He moved to Lagos because
of the impact of the civil war to where he stayed with his uncle.
He shares with us his inspiring story. He sat down with the
Editor-in Chief, Bakare Ummukulthoum.
PAGE 6
Here are the excerpts:
PhysioNews: Good morning sir. Thank you for giving us some of your
time this morning because we know you have been very busy.
Congratulations on your appointment as a Professor of
Physiotherapy. We will like to ask you a few questions hoping that
after this interview you will be able to inspire more upcoming
physiotherapists, aspiring to get to the pinnacle of the profession.
Thank you very much sir.
Akinbo: You are welcome.
PhysioNews: May we know who Prof SRA Akinbo is. Can you tell us a
bit about yourself?
Akinbo: My name is Akinbo SRA. I am a Physiotherapist from Ondo
state.I started my education in 1966 in my hometown, Okitipupa
LGA. After the civil war which was very intense in my area, I came to
Lagos in 1969 to live with an uncle. I finished my primary school in
1974. In my area when you finish primary school, you go to modern
before going to the secondary school. So I went to modern school in
1974 and later attended secondary school at Manuwa Memorial
Grammar School, Iju-odo,Okitipupa. I was given admission to the
then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) to study
Mathematics in 1980, but due to lack of funds I could not go. Then, I
was very good in mathematics and I thought I was going to be a
mathematician but I was unable to take the admission. I was given an
appointment in the secondary school in my hometown till 1984 after
which I went to Ilesha grammar school for my HSC. It was after
concluding HSC in Ilesha that I gained admission into the University
of Lagos to study Physiotherapy.
telling me that I should go for
Physiotherapy. I had never met a
physiotherapist before. I didn't know
what physiotherapy does. We were two
then, the other colleague in the science
class said he was going to study MBBS, I
said I was going in for physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy was just what my spirit
directed me towards. In fact when I was
coming to UNILAG, I was among the
best six that had the highest mark in
JAMB. Even when I was registering at
UNILAG some people saw my JAMB
score and asked why I was registering for
physiotherapy despite my high score. So
I will say it's a divine arrangement. That
was what God wanted me to study.
PhysioNews: So when you entered the
profession of physiotherapy, how and
when did you choose the academics and
how did you aspire to come this far to be
a professor of physiotherapy. At what
point did you know that it was academia
you had an affinity for?
Akinbo: I already had the interest and
zeal in me that I was going to pursue a
h i g h e r d e g re e a n d w h e n I w a s
concluding my undergraduate study. I
started looking for the opportunity to
do my masters. I obtained the form for
PhysioNews: You mentioned that you did HSC which I presume is like (M.Ed) Exercise Physiology at UI and I
A level now before you decided to study Physiotherapy. How did you also obtained a form for Anatomy in
come about being a Physiotherapist?
Unilag. At the time, they didn't usually
give admission to physiotherapists to
Akinbo: Let me just say it is a divine arrangement. When I was in form
3, I usually teach form 5 maths because I was very good and I
thought I was going to end up a mathematician. I was admitted to
Physiotherapy was just what my
study Mathematics in Ife but due to lack of funds my parents could
spirit directed me towards. In fact
not afford it. I had to work as a maths and physics teacher in my
home town after that and I
thought I was wasting
when I was coming to UNILAG, I
away so I
went to do HSC. In my
was among the best six that had
HSC class, we were
the highest mark in JAMB. Even
only two that were
when I was registering at UNILAG
the best in science
some people saw my JAMB score
class, in both upper
and lower classes.
and asked why I was registering
So when it is time
for physiotherapy despite my
for JAMB, I just
high score.
prayed and
something was
‘
’
study M.Sc in Anatomy. Prof Ashiru,
the then HOD of Anatomy,CMUL
said he would give it a trial, so I was
given the opportunity to do my
masters in the department of
Anatomy. There was no place to do
masters in physiotherapy in Nigeria
then. The only opportunities were
outside the country and looking at
the monetary implications without
any scholarship was tough. I was
immediately given a position in
CMUL as an Assistant lecturer when
I concluded my masters in 1992.
In most cases I don't sleep until
midnight and by 3 -4 am up again. I
think the road to success is not an
easy one. Success is not attained on
the platter of gold. I think having a
dream and also working hard is
very important for success in life
and you also need to allow God to
direct you. I have faced lots of
challenges, very very severe ones.
My children at times ask me
“Daddy, are you going for an
exam?” because I read late into the
night.I believe you should work
very hard and pray. Success is not
P h y s i o N e w s : D e s p i t e a l l t h e free or cheap!
challenges, you still forged ahead to
get to where you are today. What PhysioNews: Thank you very much
does it take to make it to the top as a sir, at this point I will like you to
professional and specifically as a please give us an insight into some
physiotherapist in Nigeria?
of your professional achievements
because we know that you need to
Akinbo: It is the grace of God and I get information from the horses'
want to emphasize that. Having mouth and to know how you have
said that, I must also add that I am a been able to strike a balance
man of faith, determined and very b e t w e e n s o m e o f t h e o t h e r
hard working, I don't joke with my assignments that you have to serve,
work. I will say the achievements I the nation, your state or the country
have made are by sheer hard work. as a whole and as well as serving the
A lot of people when they see me, profession.
they say you have good luck but I
keep telling them it is 5 % luck but it Akinbo: I think I have several of
is 95 % hard work. I work very very them. I have served my state which
hard and I believe that the road to is Ondo State, I have served this
success in life is hard work and country in various capacities. I have
prayers. I can say that is the source a l s o s e r v e d t h e C o l l e g e of
of my strength, the source of the Medicine University of Lagos and
success that I have today. I work the University of Lagos. For over 10
very hard even though at this level. years now I have been on several
v i s i t a t i o n pa n e l s t o f e d e r a l
institutions for universities and
hospitals both within and outside
Nigeria. In fact about 3 - 5
occasions I have been the chairman
of v i s i t a t i o n pa n e l to s o m e
universities through NUC. I have
been the Chairman of the NUC
panel to some universities; the
recent one I did was the Chairman
of the NUC at Nnamdi Azikwe
U n i v e r s i t y, Aw k a . I w a s t h e
chairman of that panel and it
involved some ver y senior
professors. Recently I was the
chairman of National Accreditation
Board, Republic of Ghana
(Equivalent of NUC) to some
Universities in Accra and Kumasi,
just to mention a few. I feel very
humbled in these ser vice to
humanity.I have done that for
several teaching hospitals as well as
being part of the accreditation
team of the Medical Rehabilitation
Therapist Board. Recently I was
appointed as a member of the
governing board of the National
Po s tg r a d u a te P h y s i o t h e r a p y
College of Nigeria. In UNILAG, I was
for several years in the UNILAG
Sports Council as the head of
physiotherapy services for UNILAG
to NUGA games. I was even outside
the country as a member of the
medical team of UNILAG, also the
FIFA U-17 tournament hosted in
1999 by Nigeria I was a member of
the medical team for the LOC.
PAGE 8
PhysioNews: I will like to ask this
question, I know you are a very
seasoned footballer and I know a lot
of people who played in the
academicals that ended up in the
national team.Why didn't you
pursue this path?
Akinbo: I know there is a very
popular ex-green eagles player
Chief Zion Ogufemi who did very
well and is from my state. If you
remember Adeolu Adekola, that
was 80's and he played for the
flying eagles, Omorege also played
there. We were all in the UNILAG
team then and I was among the
ones invited to the flying eagles'
camp but because of the rigor of
the academics in medical school, I
dare not and risk losing my place as
being a student of CMUL. I wasn't
thinking of becoming a footballer
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
p rof e s s i o n a l l y a s m y f a t h e r
discouraged it because of
academics. But then I was a very
good footballer. I was invited while I
was playing for Ondo state to the
flying eagles and at the time, I was
also the Captain of the CMUL
football team. I think the profession
of physiotherapy has made a lot of
difference in my life. It can't get any
better. It is what God have chosen
for me and I will say that by the
grace of God I am consultant
physiotherapist and here I am a
professor of physiotherapy by His
grace. I was able to achieve this by
his grace.
‘
I think the profession of
physiotherapy has made a
lot of difference in my life.
It can't get any better. It is
what God have chosen for
me and I will say that by the
grace of God I am consultant
physiotherapist and here
I am a professor of
physiotherapy by His grace.
I was able to achieve this
by his grace.
‘
Some of them I have awards to
show for recognition of the service
to nation. I have been the external
examiner nearly for all the
Physiotherapy training universities
in Nigeria. I think by the grace of
God I have been able to impact on
my profession. In1997, I was Vice
Chairman of the Lagos State
Chapter (EKONSP) and after that I
was the Chairman for about 2
years. We were unable to achieve
much then because that was the
era of brain drain where nearly
everybody did not want to stay in
Nigeria. For my state, I was in the
academicals because I was a good
footballer. For over 4 years I was in
Ondo state football team and I had
the opportunity of travelling
throughout almost all the states of
Nigeria so I will say I have served
my state. I can't mention the
numbers of committees I have
been called to ser ve in the
University. So in my own little way, I
have served humanity and the
service continues.
PhysioNews: Let me now go to the
issues specific to our profession.
What are the current challenges
faced by the profession here in
Nigeria and what are your own
projections regarding visions to
overcome some of these challenges
and how we can project our
profession to give the necessary
leverage that we require.
Akinbo: It's a ver y technical
question, yet germane. Every
profession has specific challenges.
But ours is diverse. Let me start,
one of the major challenges of
physiotherapy in the last 2 or 3
decades is the brain drain. You are
in a Nigeria where you have to fight
for your own right as a profession.
The issue of number is not also
helping us because when you look
at the number of institution
offering the programme in Nigeria
before it use to be three, Ife, Lagos
and Ibadan. Ibadan is the pioneer
of them all. You can't compare with
other health professions that have
large numbers so the issue of
number has really been a challenge
for us to fight for what belongs to
us. Another one is the lack of
opportunity to obtain a higher
degree then because when you
look at the world in general you
have to get to a certain level before
you can be recognized, before you
can talk and others listen. When
someone who is a professor is
speaking what can a diploma or
B.Sc say? The opportunity to have a
higher degree was another very big
problem to the profession then. UI
did very well and started the
postgraduate program. It was later
on that UNILAG joined. Now we
have physiotherapists with PhD
also available in the clinics which
builds confidence. I will say these
are the major challenges of
physiotherapists. The last one
which is very important is lack of
unity. I think this is very important.
In terms of number we are not
much but we allow too much of
division to cause problems for us. I
will call it a cankerworm that will
not do the profession any good
and I will appeal because the other
challenges require attention. They
a re c h a l l e n g e s t h a t c a n b e
surmounted, but the issue of unity
and division we need to pay
attention to. This one is academics,
this one is a clinician. It is an evil
wind that will destroy the progress
of the profession. It must be
addressed urgently. The dichotomy
PAGE 9
between physiotherapists in
academics and clinicians should be
discouraged. I have spoken to the
current executives headed by the
president, Taiwo Oyewunmi. I
congratulated him and told him
that one of the things that he must
make sure that he tries to solve is
the problem of division and
disunity. Everyone must be carried
along if we want to move the
profession for ward. Ever y
profession has its own challenges.
If we put our priorities right I am
sure we will be a force to be
reckoned with the in health sector.
PhysioNews: Thank you very much
for your word of advice. Where do
you see the progression of our
profession if we are able to address
the issues you mentioned in another
decade.
Akinbo: A decade is too far. Let's
look at it in the next 5 years. Now
we have physiotherapists with PhD
degrees everywhere. We now have
6 full professors before it was only
Prof Nwuga. It is something very
good for us. People are now
sensitized; people now know what
physiotherapy is all about. People
now know that physiotherapists
are a very vital component of the
health sector. Another thing that
we must try as much as possible to
take care of as soon as possible is
the issue of the DPT. We are in a
society that recognize title so don't
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
joke with the issue of title. Like
when physiotherapists finish now,
there is no professional prefix and it
sort of brings down the rating of
the profession whereas in some
other countries they are already
being called doctors, so I think the
issue of DPT should be made a
priority. We should make sure that
sector. So I'm pleading and
advocating for unity among all PTs.
Let us forget our difference and let
us know that this profession is
important. We will leave this
profession someday and we must
make sure we should not destroy
the profession because of our
individual interest.
PhysioNews: Thank you sir. I
wanted to ask this question
earlier but the flow of the
questions. Your area of specialty,
as you trained as a
physiotherapist, It was general
training. At what point did u start
taking the decision that it's your
area of specialty u want to pursue
and develop yourself as a
physiotherapist.
Akinbo: When the profession
started orthopaedics is the most
p o p u l a r of t h e m a l l . N e u ro
physiotherapy, cardiopulmonary,
ergonomics are just evolving.
Earlier on we didn't have diversity in
specialization like that. It was all
about joints and its problems in
general terms orthopaedics. That's
why majority of those that started
the profession earlier are in that
area. That was the area that I have
chosen at the beginning maybe
because of the fact that I am a
sportsman. I added sports
physiotherapy to my own, but
usually at the undergrad you do the
general one and decide later on.
as soon as possible we start
operating the doctor of
physiotherapy curriculum so that
when a physiotherapist finishes he
will be referred to as a doctor. Don't
say title is nothing, title is very
important. The optometrist only
deals with the eye but they are
called doctors. The Vet medicine
experts are called doctors and their
rating is more than us whether we
like it or not. That is the truth; it's
because of that title. If you look at
what a physiotherapist does, we do
a lot of things so the issue of title is
very important. We should come
together, that's why I said one of
our problems is lack of unity. If we
allow this division to continue, I'm
PhysioNews: Your kind of person
sorry it's not going to really get us
believes that knowledge is a
anywhere. If we are united I bet you
in less than 10
years from now
physiotherapy in
Nigeria will be
another thing
entirely. We are
going to be a
force to be
recognized within
the Nigeria health
PAGE 10
‘
‘
People who want to make it life don't give excuses. Don't give excuses
that there is nobody to send me for post graduated studies,
to send me for conferences etc. It is only failure that gives excuses.
Plan your life. Very soon I am looking at Nigeria and counting about
20 professors of physiotherapy in the next couple of years, I am
looking at the clinic and seeing over 50 % of the clinicians with PhD.
continuum and you have continued
in that line. Do you encourage
young ones to carry on self and
continuous professional
development?
Akinbo: Let me say this. I keep
telling my postgraduate students,
“You must develop yourself and
make it a point of duty that you go
outside the country for a minimum
of twice a year”. I don't wait for
anybody to sponsor me. I know it's
not easy and you must spend a lot
of money on CPD. I was telling my
student that my library is worth
over 5 million. I spend a lot of
money on my library. For you to be
relevant, don't wait for anybody or
your hospital to sponsor you. Save
money. You use money to get
money. Some of the private
practice you are doing, you can
save money in a particular aspect.
Save towards it and you will find out
that you are not the same because
that's the only way you can be
relevant. I am going to emphasize
this again for us physiotherapists
that we must develop ourselves.
I'm so happy that the scenario is
changing now. In those days hardly
will you see people going for NSP
conference. People are now going
there to update themselves.
Another point we must have at the
back of our minds is that we must
not leave research and publications
in journals to the academicians
alone. In Nigeria we believe that it is
only the academicians that publish
because it is required for their
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
promotion.WCPT conference in
Vancouver in 2007, when u
look at the percentage of
the publication, 60% of the
abstracts were done by the
clinicians while just about 40
% were done by the
academicians. When you go
for conferences, you listen to
experts; you listen to what
people have been doing. It is
going to improve you and your
practice.
PhysioNews: – Before we just
round off now, you wrote a book
about stress management. How
do you yourself strike a work life
balance because you always
seem to have a very hectic
schedule?
Akinbo: In our environment
there is no constant
electricity, security, roads
and what have you. This is
really affecting the health of
people and that is why I was
stimulated then to write the
b o o k . I h a ve p re s e n te d
seminars on stress
management at several places
in churches and retreats. After
my presentation, they always
say why you don't put this in
books? That is why I decided to
package the presentations into a
books and it made a lot of
difference. I receive calls from
all parts of the country even
outside the country that they
have read the book and that
they are very interested. It is a
practical aspect of stress
PAGE 11
management and it gives a lot of
information. Having said that, I
don't joke with my holiday in fact
majority of the time when I travel
outside the country, I make sure I
have at least additional one or two
weeks to rest. Sometime If I don't
want to travel outside the country, I
just go to some remote area,
sometimes I go to Tinapa in
Calabar, Obudu cattle ranch, I
spend two weeks, sometimes I go
to Ife, and sometimes I go to
Ibadan. I don't joke with my holiday
at all.
PhysioNews: What do u actually do
to relax, sir?
Develop yourself. People who want
to make it life don't give excuses.
Don't give excuses that there is
nobody to send me for post
graduated studies, to send me for
conferences etc. It is only failure
that gives excuses. Plan your life.
Very soon I am looking at Nigeria
and counting about 20 professors
of physiotherapy in the next couple
of years, I am looking at the clinic
and seeing over 50 % of the
clinicians with PhD. I will also be
most glad to see the
commencement of the residency
training in physiotherapy very
soon. The other professions will be
afraid us as PTs. They know that in
your own area you are an expert.
So let us develop ourselves. We
thank God today that a
physiotherapist can rise to the post
of a director. If we can work in unity,
the other health profession will be
afraid of us. So when they find out
that there is division, they strike.
You know anytime you go for
conferences now when people say
you are a physiotherapist they will
say which area of
specialization. So we must all
support this issue of
specialization so let each one
of us identify each particular
area and develop in that area.
Akinbo: I love flower gardening. If
you have been into my house, you
will see that I have a very big
garden. I love nature (flowers).
Anytime I get home, I must take
care of my plants. It gives me joy. I
have over 300 varieties of plants in
my garden. I have a very beautiful
garden in my house. Let me say I
am a gardener. In fact I am an
expert in gardening. Maybe one of
these days you will come to my
house to see my garden. I am not a
TV person. I don't watch too much
of TV. Even in the night you will see
me inside my garden. I have birds, I
have dogs. In fact, I play football
with my dogs. You will be very PhysioNews: Is there anything
surprised that a dog could play else you want to add?
football.
Akinbo: I am going to add this and
PhysioNews: Finally before we leave you must listen. First of all let me
you, what advise do you have for congratulate you as the PRO of
NSP as well as the new executives.
upcoming physiotherapists?
Specifically let me congratulate the
Akinbo: I am so happy to be a President, Mr Taiwo Oyewumi for
teacher. I think first of all they must emerging as the new president of
be focused and identify their NSP. I will provide all the necessary
strength and potential. What do support in my capacity for the
y o u w a n t t o d o w i t h t h i s administration. I want to please say
profession? What is your dream? this again, let us all come together.
Where are you going? With that I All that has happened before,
am going to emphasize again. maybe during the election, let us
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
forget it. Let us forget about all that
has happened. Let us know that no
on e will com e an d develop
physiotherapy for us except us. It is
only us that will develop this
profession. Whatever advice we
have that will develop this
profession, let us bring it forward.
Let the executive of NSP carry
everyone along. We must not
forget the elders of the profession.
Any society that downplays the
elders, it will be difficult for that
society to grow. So it is important
you carry the elders along. Let us
play down on the issue of clinicians
and academicians. Let us avoid this
because it will not do this
profession any good. Let us make
sure the profession occupies it
position in the health sector. Once
again I want to congratulate the
new executives. Whatever I can do
in my own little way I am ready to
do. I wish the profession greater
achievements in the nearest future.
Thank you
PhysioNews: Thank you very much
sir.
*Editor's note. Professor Akinbo
has since been inaugurated as a
member of the governing council
of the National Postgraduate
Physiotherapy College of Nigeria
(NPPCN) and was also appointed
on the Board of the Medical
Rehabilitation Therapist Board
representing the University of
Lagos. He presented his Inaugural
Lecture on the 6th of August, 2014 to
a capacity filled crowd entitled
“UNSEEN BUT FELT: TORMENTS OF
A PAINFUL BACK.”
PAGE 12
President Corner
PAVING WAY FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY
PROFESSION QUANTUM LEAP
A
pplying principles of great
performance, extreme focus,
leadership development, excellent
hands-on skills, unity of purpose and
poli cal will power are part of the top
most elements that will pave the way
to Physiotherapy profession quantum
leap in Nigeria. Quantum leap also
referred to as breakthrough
experiences is leverage of
effec veness in exponen al ways.
There is urgent need to fast track the
evolu onary growth of our dear
profession by engaging the principles
of quantum leap.
As enumerated above, great
performance is a ained by
organiza ons by harnessing human
resource poten als of the individuals.
These individuals are deeply and
unambiguously commi ed to
achieving goals, confident in their
ability to perform well and in control of
their ac ons. We need to con nue to
focus on carefully chosen assignments,
mentorship, leadership development
and take advantage of the unique roles
of teachers and feedback in our
ac vi es.
Focus on the Vision, Mission, Values,
Goals and Objec ves in our
professional associa on will surge the
profession forward. This can be
achieved by raising the bar, se ng high
standards, developing intense passion
for the profession, exploring the
inherent poten als of the profession,
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
maintaining posi ve a tude and not
allowing the past errors to draw us
back but only learning from it.
Leadership development must not be
le to chance encounter. We must
devise means as we are currently doing
by developing leaders within their jobs
and encourage leaders to be ac ve in
t h e i r c o m m u n i
e s .
Unity of purpose is crucial to the NSP at
this moment because throughout
history organiza on make significant
progress in the mes and peace and
unity. Physiotherapy profession is what
unites us irrespec ve of the se ng we
prac ce. The need for support and
unalloyed loyalty to the goals and
aspira ons of the Society and NSP
leadership irrespec ve of
our personal views and
thought are necessary.
Therefore we must put
the profession first in all
that we do. Since service
is the lifeblood in
organiza ons and
everything flows and is
nurtured by it. We are
duty bound as the current
flag bearers of the
profession in Nigeria to
harness our individual
efforts through our selfless service. As
much as the individual capacity is
limited but necessary for the collec ve
development there is limitless
opportunity in Unity of purpose.
Nigeria. We can all lay claims to the fact
that we are now full-fledged
professionals in all ramifica ons. Two
of our founding fathers gave us the
path to follow as the new fron ers of
the profession as elucidated in their
quotes below;"We should be alert to
modern trends, techniques and
resource materials. - ” Thompson
Abayomi Oshin- 1989. “I charge you
to reach out beyond the walls of the
hospitals, clinics, and the lecture
theaters and par cipate ac vely in the
affairs of humanity and the
environment which surrounds us ...
Our vision of 29th August, 1959 having
been achieved".” – Late Christopher
Agboola Ajao, 2008.
The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy
(NSP) played significant role and is s ll
playing in the evolu onary
development of the profession of
Physiotherapy in Nigeria. Therefore,
responsibility behoves all of us to
contribute our quota and pay the
requisite price to con nue to raise the
ante and li the bar. The Physiotherapy
profession's alchemy of knowledge
and poten al of cross fer liza on put
the profession in a vantage posi on
and as a profession to reckon with in
the present day and the future. There
are mul ple grounds to break and
numerous poten als and novel
concept to tap into for the benefit of
humanity and ascent of the profession
to the zenith.
Poli cal will power is what we can no
longer shy away from and the me is
ripe for Physiotherapists to engage in
par san poli cs and take advantage of
our poli cal connec ons to move the
profession forward. Physiotherapists
need to contest for poli cal offices in
order to leverage our opportunity to
achieve our set objec ves in
exponen al ways.
We need to collec vely think out of the
box and adapt to the rate of change in
health evolu on. With principles of
great performance, extreme focus,
leadership development, excellent
hands-on skills, unity of purpose and
poli cal will power we can lead the
health care industry to the future in
Nigeria.
The past and present leaders in our
profession overcame the daun ng
challenges and laid solid founda on for
the profession of Physiotherapy in
Taiwo J. Oyewumi
President, Nigeria Society
of Physiotherapy 2014
Milestones
DrOlajideOlawalebags
ACADEMICHONOURS
D
rOlajideA.Olawale
hasbeenappointed
AssociateProfessorof
Physiotherapybythe
CollegeofMedicine,
UniversityofLagos
recently.Theappointment
wasmadeeffectivefrom
1stOctober,2012.The
eruditescholarand
endearingrolemodelto
manystartedhisjourneyin
theprofessionof
physiotherapyoverthree
decadesago.Hegraduated
fromtheUniversityofLagos,AkokainJune
1981withB.Sc.(Physiotherapy)andobtained
apostgraduatedegreewithanM.Ed
(ExercisePhysiology)attheUniversityof
Ibadanin1986.HeobtainedhisPh.Ddegree
in2009.Hejoinedtheacademicstaffofthe
UniversityofLagosin1997andhassince
becomeateacherofmany.
DrOlawalehasservedattheCollegeof
Medicineinvariouscapacitiesandhas
constantlyadvocatedanddisplayedpassion
forcontinuousselfandprofessional
development.Hewastherecipientofthe
CommonwealthSecretariatgranttoassist
theUniversityofGhanainplanningand
runningtheB.Sc.Physiotherapyprogram.He
hassupervisedseveralundergraduateand
postgraduatedissertationsandtheses.He
hasalsoservedtheNigeriaSocietyof
Physiotherapywithsterlingqualitiesand
dedicationovertheyears;notablyas
Chairman,EducationCommittee(2001-2004;
2009-2010).Hehasattendedover30local
andinternationalconferencesand
workshopsandpresentedpapersatmanyof
them.Hehasabout35publicationsinpeerreviewedlocalandinternationaljournals.
Wewishhimmanymoresuccessesahead
andlookforwardtomanymoreyearsof
partnershipsandpossibilities.
N
N ii gg ee rr ii aa SS oo cc ii ee tt yy PP hh yy ss ii oo tt hh ee rr aa pp yy
MRS ABOSEDE OKUNUGA RETIRES…
…after 35 years of meritorious and distinguished
service.
M
rs Okunuga is a well known figure in the
physiotherapy community in Nigeria. She was
born at Makurdi, Benue state of Nigeria on the 30th day
of August 1953. Her father was late Albert Oladipupo
who hailed from Odogbolu in Ogun state and her late
mother Mrs. Margret Mosunmola Ogunbekun who
hailed from Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state. She got married to
her heartthrob Mr. O. O. Okunuga and the marriage is
blessed with 4 children.
She joined the Lagos state civil service on 26th October
1978 through the Lagos State Hospital Management
Board as a physiotherapist on grade, 08 and rose
through the various ranks to the positions of many firsts.
She was the first assistant director, first deputy director
and first director in the Lagos state service making her
the first director of physiotherapy services in any state in
Nigeria, a position she held until her statutory retirement
from Lagos state service at the age of 60 years after 35
years of meritorious service to humanity.
She served Lagos state Government in various capacities
and increased the number of physiotherapy departments
in the state hospitals from two (2) to ten (10). She also
worked in institutions like Atunda Olu School for persons
with disability in Surulere and Modupe Cole treatment
home school, Akoka, before her final exit from state
service on 29th August, 2013. Apart from being a
distinguished elder of the profession, her participation in
the activities was hands on and she made it a point of duty
to mentor younger physiotherapists and encourage
them to have a sense of responsibility towards the
profession. She has served the society in various
capacities notably as chair person , Ethics and standard
of practice committee 2000-2008,Chairperson
Disciplinary committee 2008-2012 and Chairman NSP
electoral committee at various times.
We at physionews and the entire physiotherapy
community wish her a fruitful retirement period and hope
to always count on her support.
Milestones
PAGE 14
continues
Dr Bridget Birabi
appointed by WCPT on Awards Committee
Dr Bridget Birabi, former president of the
Nigeria Society of physiotherapy has
been appointed a member of the awards
c o m m i e e s e t u p b y t h e Wo r l d
Confedera on for Physical Therapy
recently. These awards recognise
outstanding contribu ons made by
physiotherapists to the profession at an
interna onal level. They will be
presented during WCPT's Congress
scheduled to take place in Singapore in
2015.
The appointed Awards Commi ee will
review the nomina ons received, and
make recommenda ons to the WCPT
Execu ve Commi ee regarding the
recipients. There are representa ves
from each WCPT region hence Dr Bridget
Birabi is the flag bearer for the Africa
region on the commi ee. They will judge
entries in various categories and some of
the award categories as highlighted
below:
development of physical therapy at an
interna onal level. It is the highest
honour that WCPT can bestow.
Interna onal Service Award
Awards for interna onal service are to
honour individuals who have made a
great contribu on towards physical
therapy interna onally or within their
region.
Humanitarian Service Award
WCPT is seeking to recognise individual
physical therapists who have improved
people's lives through their excep onal
care, compassion, dedica on and
personal commitment.
Leadership in Rehabilita on Award
The purpose of this award is to recognise
an individual or group who are not
physical therapists and who have made a
great contribu on to rehabilita on
and/or global health.
Recogni on of Service to WCPT Award
WCPT will recognise individuals who
have contributed to WCPT as chairs of
regions and subgroups and through
membership commi ees.
the review panel for the pre and post
congress courses for the upcoming
Congress in Singapore scheduled to take
place in 2015. It is worthy to note that it
was during her four-year tenure as the
president of the Nigeria Society of
Physiotherapy between 2004-2008; her
administra on ensured the rejuvena on
of NSP's affilia on with the WCPT-Africa
region went on to bid and host in 2008
the most successful regional congress in
Abuja ll date.
We wish her all the best in these new
endeavours and to con nue to be a good
ambassador of the profession as well as
the society.
T
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
NSP President Taiwo Oyewumi in a
congratulatory message said “You
fought relentlessly as the arrow head
for the actualiza on of crea on of
posi on of director for health care
professionals in Nigeria. Your selfless
nature in the pursuit of this laudable
goal yielded posi ve result. No
wonder you were singled out as the
recipient of the award of Worthy
A m b a s s a d o r o f P hys i o t h e ra py
Profession by the NSP in 2013”
“Sir, ll date you are the longest
serving NSP execu ve member. This
record is unbeatable and it showed
your passion for the profession of
Gloria Umerah, International
Speaker for WCPT 2015
MrWasiuAbiodunJIMOH
T
renowned physiotherapist from Nigeria will be
among the main speakers at the profession's
largest and most important international gathering,
the WCPT Congress 2015, to be held next year in
Singapore on 1st – 4th May, 2015. Gloria Umerah will
be contributing to focused symposia featuring
prominent international speakers from across WCPT's
five regions. Focused symposia are core congress
sessions providing a forum where cutting edge
research and practice perspectives can be explored
and debated on issues of global relevance to the
profession.
Physiotherapy. Your succession
planning is worthy of note as you
have mentored many including the
incumbent NSP President. You are a
successful leader because if a leader
succeeds without succession
planning such a leader is a failure. We
pray that the almighty God in His
infinite mercy will grant you grace,
good health and safety as you render
more years of meritorious service to
your profession, Physiotherapy and
your father land, Nigeria”
Elder Faniran is currently Chair of the
NSP commi ee on establishment
ma ers, the longest serving
commi ee chairman. He is also the
president of the Na onal Union of
Allied Health Workers and the vice
president of the Joint Health Sector
Union. We join the en re
physiotherapy community to
congratulate him on recent eleva on
and wish him many for successes for
the future.
Promotions
he current Auditor I of the Nigeria Society
of Physiotherapy has been promoted to
the rank of Assistant Director of
Physiotherapy.
A
Comrade Felix Faniran achieves milestone
PAGE 15
continues
Gloria Umerah far right at the WCPT Congress in Canada 2007
Mildred Elson Award
For sustained and con nuous leadership
over a career, the award honours physical
therapists who, like Mildred Elson, have In other related events Dr Birabi has
c o n t r i b u t e d s i g n i fi c a n t l y t o t h e equally been selected to be a member of
h e n ews o f C o m ra d e Fe l i x
Faniran’s promo on to the
posi on of Director of Physiotherapy
Services at the Obafemi Awolowo
University Teaching Hospital was a
very deligh ul one. The amiable
comrade has been ac vely involved in
the struggles of the profession in the
last two decades and has been in the
fore front of establishment ma ers
rela ng to the profession. As the
news broke, PHYSIONEWS team
a empted to reach him one the
phone and he was enroute to yet
another mee ng regarding
upli ment and progression for the
society on the pla orm of the Joint
Health Sector Union. “I wish to thank
everyone who has reached out to me
in the last few days over the news and
I pray the God Lord con nue to
promote us all as at when due. The
outpour of support has been so
overwhelming” he remarked. The
Milestones
In a press statement by WCPT extracted as follows:
“We've had more proposals for focused symposia
than ever before, which means we have been able to
select topics with high calibre speakers that physical
therapists all over the world will be excited to hear
from,” said Aimée Stewart, Chair of WCPT's
International ScientificCommittee, which has
responsibility for putting together the programme
for the WCPTCongress. “Focused symposia are a very
popular feature of our congresses, drawing large
audiences. They provide the opportunity not just to
hear from world authorities, but to engage with them
in discussion.” Each focused symposium is organised
by a convenor, who leads an international group of
speakers through linked research-focused
presentations. The symposium ends with key take
home messages for practice, research, education,
management and policy. “WCPT's priority is to make
the congress as engaging as possible for as many
people as possible, whether they be physical
therapists in clinical practice, research or education,”
said Aimée Stewart.
We congratulate Gloria on this feat and wish her
many more successes ahead as a good ambassador
of the Society
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
He is currently in charge of Neurology unit of
Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa Unit of OAUTHC.
He graduated as a physiotherapist from
Dept. of Medical Rehabilitation, College of
Health Sciences, OAU, Ile-Ife in Dec, 1992 and
served as a corper at Medical Unit of Abia
State Sports Council, Umuahia, Abia State
between May 1993 and May 1994. He joined
the services of OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State
We at PHYSIONEWS wish Mr Jimoh many
more years of positive progression
throughout his career.
Note Worthy
BO OYEKOYA, ,
MRS OLASIMon
al Hospital Igbobi
ti
current head of Na
to the position of
ed
ot
om
pr
as
w
s
Lago
erapy Services.
Director of Physioth
MR AWE GBOYEG
A
of the Lagos Univ
ersity Teaching
Hospital was pro
moted to Assista
nt.
Director of Phys
iotherapy Servic
es
I
MR AYOBAMIasOprNom
oted to
l Apapa w
of General Hospita
rvices.
of Physiotherapy Se
or
ct
re
Di
t
an
st
si
As
Milestones
continues
PAGE 16
ImmediatepastNSPPRO,UACOKAFOR
And3othersbagph.d…inaharvestof
PHYSIOTHERAPYDOCTORATES…atunilag
The University of Lagos was agog
at the 2013 Convoca on
Ceremonies for the Postgraduate
th
School held on the 11 of June
2014. The physiotherapy
programme of the University was
celebrated with the convoca on
of 4 PhDs which included NSPs
immediate past PRO/ Editor-in
Chief and current Coordinator of
the West Africa Physiotherapy
Union Dr UAC Okafor
(Ergonomics/Industrial), Dr (Mrs)
AK Akodu (Orthopaedics/Sports),
D r ( M rs ) H A A w e t o
(Cardiopulmonary) and Dr OBA
Owoeye (Orthopaedics/Sports)
who also brought great glory to
the profession by winning the best
PhD thesis in the College of
Medicine/ Pharmacy.
D r U A C O k a f o r, a 1 9 9 6
Physiotherapy graduate of the
University of Lagos, also obtained
his MSc in Anatomy in 2003 from
the same University. He defended
his PhD thesis on July 2nd 2013
which is tled 'Return to Driving
a er Musculoskeletal Disorders –
Developing a Nigerian
Musculoskeletal Disability Index'
which culminated in the
development of a novel clinical
Index to assess and determine
suitability of return to driving a er
musculoskeletal disorders, injury
or surgery. This made him the first
Nigerian physiotherapist to obtain
a PhD from any Nigerian University
in the specialty field of
Ergonomics/Industrial
Physiotherapy (with core interest
in road safety policy and
regula on). He is also the first
male to obtain a PhD in
Physiotherapy from the
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy programme of the College of Medicine, University of
Lagos.
Contribu ons to Physiotherapy/NSP: In the past decade, 'UAC' or 'Mr
Packager' as fondly called in the Nigerian Physiotherapy (NSP) family has
played a consistently visible role in the growth and re-branding of the
Physiotherapy project in Nigeria, West Africa and the WCPT-Africa
region. He had served the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, NSP in the
various capaci es including:
(1) Assistant General Secretary (2004-2008)
(2) Public Rela ons Officer (2008-2012)
(3) Editor in-Chief of the Na onal PhysioNews magazine (2008-2012)
(4) Chairman Conferences and Interna onal Affairs Commi ee (20102011)
(5) Assistant Secretary of the NSP Commi ee on DPT (2013)
(6) Honorary Archivist (2013-Date)
He is also currently serves as pioneer Coordinator/ Honorary Secretary
of the West Africa Physiotherapy Union (WAPU) since 2012.
As the Public Rela ons Officer of the NSP, Dr Okafor gave a l o t o f
visibility to Physiotherapy as a brand through an
unpre
cedented aggressive professional re-branding
campaign which he tagged 'The New Face of
Physiotherapy' which he led through major
Na onal Television and Radio sta ons as
well as on-line and the print media. He
became a regular face on many Television
channels preaching physiotherapy awareness
a n d h e a l t h p ro m o o n t h ro u g h l i fe st y l e
modifica on. His effort led to a partnership
between the NSP and Channels Television,
Lagos culmina ng in the endorsement/
award presented to Channels TV, Lagos at
the NSP conference in Calabar in
2008.
As the PRO/Editor in Chief
during the NSP's 50th
Anniversary celebra on held
in Lagos in 2009 which
a racted the presence of
h i s E x c e l l e n c y, M r
Babatunde Fashola, SAN,
the Governor of Lagos
state, he played a very
significant role which
earned him the name of
'Mr Packager'. He also edited and
produced a special Golden Jubilee
Anniversary publica on tled 'NSP
at 50 Historical Brochure' – a
unique documenta on of the
history of Physiotherapy in Nigeria
featuring all the past 13
indigenous chairmen and
presidents of the NSP from its
incep on in 1959 un l 2009. He
significantly raised the media
profile of Physiotherapy in Nigeria
and also projected same for more
visibility by other professional and
i n t e r n a o n a l o r ga n i za o n s
including the WCPT Headquarters
i n
L o n d o n .
WCPT/ WCPT-Africa: On the
interna onal professional scene,
Dr Okafor has served as official
NSP delegate at the WCPT-Africa
congresses held in Tanzania
(2006), Nigeria (2008), Ghana
(2010), Kenya (2012) and Zambia
(2014). In par cular he served as
NSP's vo ng/alternate delegate at
the WCPT-A conferences in Kenya
(2012), Zambia 2014 and the
WC PT Wo r l d C o n g re s s i n
Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2011,
where he also served as the only
black African Congress Volunteer.
In December 2012, Dr UAC Okafor
was appointed by the WCPT
Headquarters as the only African
member of a four-man Judging
Panel for the WCPT 2012 World
Physiotherapy Day Arts/ Photo
Compe on.
Undergraduate/ Early Days: As a
youthful and passionate lover of
the physiotherapy profession, he
had served as Class governor, Vice
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
President and later President of the University of Lagos Associa on of
Physiotherapy Students (ULAPS) and interim Na onal Secretary of the
Na onal Associa on of Physiotherapy Students (NAPS). Since
gradua on, he has con nued to serve as Staff adviser /Patron to both
the ULAPS and the Na onal students body (NAPS).
As a youth corper in Kwara state, Dr Okafor emerged as a winner of the
NYSC state Awards in December 1998 following his outstanding
Community Development Projects on Physiotherapy Advocacy on
Dangers of NCDs (with emphasis on Obesity, High Blood Pressure and
Stroke) and another advocacy campaign on Exclusive Breast-feeding for
Op mal Early Child Development.
University Roles: Since joining the services of the University of Lagos
five years ago, Dr Okafor has served in many capaci es and commi ees
including:
(1) Coordinator, postgraduate programmes, Department of
Physiotherapy
(2) Staff adviser (Department of Physiotherapy)
(3) Member, Students Affairs Commi ee, CMUL
(4) Member, Golden Jubilee Commi ee, CMUL
(5) Member, Advancement, Endowment and Alumni Commi ee,
CMUL
(6) Member, University of Lagos Task Force on Web ranking
(7) Member, Faculty I.C.T commi ee, Faculty of Clinical Sciences,
CMUL
(8) Deputy chairman, management commi ee Felix Dosekun
Students' hostel, CMUL
(9) Master of ceremonies at College of Medicine Induc on
ceremonies & Faculty of Clinical Sciences Annual Conferences &
Gathering, CMUL
Professional Bodies: Dr Okafor is also a member of other professional
bodies including:
Member, Ins tute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Member,
Healthcare Providers Associa on of Nigeria (HPAN), among others.
Conferences /Publica ons: He has a ended over 50 local and
interna onal conferences and workshops and has presented papers in
at least 21 of them. In September, 2014, he was among two African PTs
who enjoyed an all-expense paid training in movement disorders at the
2nd European Allied Health Professions Conference held in Vedras,
Portugal. He currently has many peer-reviewed scien fic publica ons
in both local and interna onal journals.
We congratulate our own Dr UAC Okafor on this achievement while
wishing him more successes in the future.
Milestones
PAGE 18
continues
the populace. “With the two new
Enwemeka elevated to Provost
and Senior Vice President.
TheNigerianphysiotherapycommunityhomeandabroad schools joining the undergraduate
congratulatesthelatestadditionstothedoctoratecadre physiotherapy training program, it
takes the total tally to nine and that is
invariousfieldsofendeavour.
UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS
University Teaching Hospital, IdiAraba, Lagos.
AJIBOYE, Olufunke Adewunmi
Thesis: Inves ga on of the Role of
Therapeu c Exercise in the
Management of Individuals with
Chronic Bi-ventricular Heart Failure.
UINBEN, UNILORIN JOIN
UNDERGRADUATE TRAINING FOR
PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN NIGERIA…
AWETO, Happiness Anulika
Thesis: Therapeu cs Exercises for
Female Breast Cancer Survivors:
Assessment of Cardiopulmonary,
Anthropometric and Quality of Life
Outcomes.
The news of University of Benin and
University of Ilorin receiving
accredita on to commence
undergraduate physiotherapy training
has been received with much delight.
The process had been ongoing for a
while now and finally they can
commence training for suitable
undergraduate candidates who wish to
study physiotherapy.
OKAFOR, Udoka Arinze Chris
Thesis: Return to Driving a er
M u s c u l o - S k e l e t a l D i s o r d e r s : The University of Benin Faculty team is
Developing a Nigerian Musculo- lead by Dr Kayode Oke who is a
Skeletal Disability Index.
seasoned scholar and professional. He
is charged with the responsibility of
OWOEYE, Oluwatoyosi Babatunde ensuring that the school is up and
Alex
running in no me. Other members of
Thesis: Studies on the Preven on of staff have also been employed by the
I n j u r i e s a n d P r o t e c o n o f university and admissions into the
Cardiovascular Health among Male program will kick start by the session
Youth Football League Players in Lagos, opening in 2015. The University of
Nigeria.
Ilorin has also deployed services of
some physiotherapy tutors who have
AJIBOYE OLUFUNKE EMERGES BEST decided to relocate back home from
RESERCHER, TWO YEARS RUNNING…
diaspora. Their own program too will
be star ng in the fall of 2015. The NSP
Dr Ajiboye OA has emerged yet again President, Taiwo Oyewumi speaking to
for the second me in
Physionews stated “It is a landmark
three years, the best researcher in the achievement for our profession to
faculty of clinical science at the have more schools for training which
University of Lagos Annual Conference we have been clamouring for” “I
and Research fair. This year which is the commend all those that were involved
9th edi on of the annual event saw her in the process of ensuring that the
swoop the grand prize, a feat she also accredita on became a reality. Our
achieved in 2012 which was the golden c o l l e c v e e ffo r t s t o m o v e t h e
Jubilee celebra on of the College of profession forward will not be in vain”.
Medicine, University of Lagos.
It was a good day all round for the
profession as the second and third
posi on at the fair in the best
researcher category also went to Dr
Owoeye and Dr Okafor respec vely
who are both physiotherapists and
part of the Faculty at the Department
of Physiotherapy, University of Lagos.
Dr Ajiboye is currently the director of
p hy s i o t h e ra p y s e r v i c e s , L a g o s
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
It will be recalled that un l about a
decade ago, there were only few
schools training physiotherapists in
Nigeria but that number has steadily
increased. The President further stated
that his administra on is commi ed to
ensuring that we get more training
schools and that more healthcare
fa c i l i e s s et u p p hys i o t h e ra py
units/departments to cater for our
poten als graduates for the benefit of
by far lower than what can cater for the
needs of the an es mated popula on
of 170million Nigerians”. “We are
appealing to government to partner
with our programs and help facilitate
more schools to want to training
physiotherapists”
We at physionews congratulate
ever yone in the physiotherapy
community on this progressive
development and wish the two schools
all the best as they embark on the
journey of service to mankind.
…AS BAYERO UNIVERISTY APPROVES
CURRCULUM FOR POSTGRADUATE
TRAINING
The Senate of Bayero University, Kano
has just approved our curriculum for
MSc in Physiotherapy. The following
special es have been approved
though the programs are set to kick off
with special es that we have
staff/resources on ground:
1. Neurological Physiotherapy
2. Orthopaedic and Sports
Physiotherapy
3. Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
4. Physiotherapy in Women's Health
5. Geriatric Physiotherapy
6. Paediatric Physiotherapy
Applica ons for suitable candidates for
the MSc programs will begin in due
course. Physiotherapists with
doctorate degrees who are seeking to
apply for academic posi ons are
welcome to apply and join the faculty
of the university. This is another giant
stride for the profession as so far, only
three of the founding schools have
commenced postgraduate training to
doctorate level. Bayero University also
has the inten on to ensure its
postgraduate training for
physiotherapists will eventually get to
the pinnacle of a doctorate degree. We
wish Bayero University all the best as
they embark on this quest and
endeavour.
PAGE 19
Diaspora News
P
rof. Chukuka S. Enwemeka has
been elevated to Provost and
Senior Vice President of San Diego
State University. Before joining SDSU
on July 1, 2014, he ser ved as
Distinguished Professor and Dean of
the College of Health Sciences,
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee,
and as Professor and Dean, of the
School of Health Professions, New
York Institute of Technology. He was
Professor and Chairman of the
Department of Physical Therapy and
Rehabilitation Sciences at the
University of Kansas Medical Center.
He served as Associate Professor of
Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, and
Associate Director of Physical
Therapy at the University Of
Miami School Of Medicine. Prof.
Enwemeka also held a joint
appointment as Assistant
Professor of Physical Therapy,
Cellular and Structural Biology,
and Physiology at the University
of Texas Health Science Center at
San Antonio. He earned his Ph.D.
from New York University, and did
h i s p o s t- d o c t o r a l re s e a rc h
training at NYU's Rusk Institute of
Rehabilitation Medicine. Prof.
Enwemeka received his M.S. and
B.Sc. degrees in physical therapy
from the University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, and the
University of Ibadan, Ibadan,
Nigeria, respectively. He is a
Fellow of the American College of
Sports Medicine and a Fellow of
the American Society for Laser
Medicine and Surgery.
on Laser Therapy and photobiology,
an educational consultant and
curriculum expert, a sports medicine
expert, a visiting professor to various
schools around the world, and much
more.According to the President of
SDSU, Elliot Hirshman, who
appeared extremely pleased that
Professor Enwemeka accepted the
offer of appointment stated in a press
release... "We are excited to welcome
Dr. Enwemeka to the San Diego State
U n i v e r s i t y c o m m u n i t y. H i s
experience in supporting student
success, research and creative
endeavors and community
engagement distinguished him in a
into this prestigious position, chosen
from among a pool of highly
qualified and outstanding
candidates for the same position.
As Provost and Senior Vice President,
Professor Enwemeka is the chief
academic officer of the university,
provides the leadership required to
achieve the highest standards in
teaching, scholarship, creative
activities and service. In this position,
Professor Enwemeka will also serve
as the second in command in the
University, and will therefore act on
behalf of the President in his
absence. As Provost, he is a key
participant in all major university
policy, establishing, coordinating
and implementing academic
g o a l s , e d u c a t i o n a l p o l i c y,
curriculum planning and
development, program review,
funding suppor t, resource
allocation and personnel actions
pertaining to faculty and academic
staff.The Carnegie Foundation
designates SDSU a "Research
University with high research
activity," placing it among the top
200 higher education institutions
in the United States conducting
research. SDSU's annual research
expenditure is $115 million, putting
it in the top 5% of academic
institutions in the United States. In
the 2009–10 academic year, the
university reportedly obtained
$150 million for research, including
$26 million from the National
Institutes of Health. The university
is projected to be classified as
"Doctoral/Research-Extensive in
the near future. So far, SDSU
faculty and researchers have
attracted over $1 billion dollars in
external funding to the University.
Professor Enwemeka is an astute
researcher, a vastly published
author, international Journal
E d i t o r- i n - C h i e f, a P h y s i c a l
T h e r a p i s t , a n a n a to m i s t , a
Consultant, a highly sorted-after
We at Physionews heartily wish
i n t e r n a t i o n a l s p e a k e r, a n
strong pool of national candidates.”
Prof Enwenmeka all the best in this
academic administrator and leader, a
Professor Enwemeka was appointed
new role and service to humanity.
mentor, one of the foremost experts
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
PAGE 20
Diaspora News
Dr.EBJOHNmovesfrom
EasttoWest...
D
r. Emmanuel Babatunde John of
t h e N i g e r i a P hys i o t h e ra p y
Network effec ve from July 2, 2014,
will be assuming the posi on of
Associate Professor and Director of
Research at the School of Physical
Therapy (SOPT), Touro University
Nevada (TUN), Henderson, NV. TUN is a
part of the Western Division of the
mul -campus and mul -na on Touro
College and University System TCUS)
h e a d q u a r t e r e d i n N e w Yo r k .
Established in 1970, TCUS's focus is on
higher educa on for the Jewish
community, and have grown to serve a
widely diverse popula on of over
19,000 students across 32 schools in 5
countries. TCUS is uniquely a uned to
the importance of an educa on that
accommodates students from all
backgrounds and circumstances.
In this new posi on, he will be leading
the effort to boost the research profile
of the faculty and lead/direct students'
capstone research projects. To take on
this new challenge, he will have to
endure the decision to move the family
some 2,200 miles east to west across
the con nental United States; but the
prospects and tremendous
opportuni es to be afforded by this
new posi on, plus a need for the family
to relocate to a large metro area may
be endearing a er all.
Prior to this appointment, he was
Associate Professor of Physical
T h e ra p y a n d
Director, Motor
Control and
Neuromuscular
Pe r fo r m a n c e
Laboratory at
R a d f o r d
University (RU),
Roanoke, VA,
USA since
August 2011.
Apart from his
te a c h i n g
responsibili es
at RU, Dr. John
also conducted
motor control
and neurorehabilita on
research on the
effects of gender, age-related changes
and neurological lesions on sense of
motor effort using a feed-forward
model of human voluntary motor tasks
performance. Radford University is
one of Virginia's eight doctoral-degree
gran ng public universi es. Dr. John is
a notable member of the Nigerian
Society of Physiotherapy despite being
in diaspora and he has made valuable
contribu ons towards the
development and advancement of the
profession in Nigeria. A graduate of the
B.Sc. Physiotherapy program of the
College of Medicine, University of
Lagos himself. He is equally diverse and
mul -talented as he designs websites
and is commi ed to pu ng Nigeria
P hys i o t h e ra p y o n t h e
worldwide web. He
designed the first website
to adver se and promote
Nigeria Physiotherapy
o n l i n e i n 1 9 9 9
(h p://www.nigeriaphysi
onet.8m.com), and in
2003, he designed and
l a u n c h e d t h e p re s e nt
Nigeria Physiotherapy
Network website
(h p://www.nigeriaphysi
o.net). He also designed
the website for the
Nigerian Associa on of
Physiotherapy Students
(h p://www.nigaps.org),
University Of Lagos
Associa on Of Physiotherapy Students
( h p://www.ulaps.org ), Nigeria
Society of Physiotherapy
(h p://www.nigeriaphysio.org) and
the World Congress for Physical
Therapy - Africa Region
(h p://www.wcptafrica.org).
Our valued customers, due to current market realities, our advert
rates has been reviewed as follows in other to serve you better
N
$
250,000
1,600
Cover Back Page
200,000
1,300
Cover Inner Front
180,000
1,200
Cover Inner Back
150,000
Inside Full Page
950
90,000
600
Half Page
60,000
400
Quarter Page
Contact the PR Team:
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
www.nigeriaphysio.org
We are on social media,
join us on our official page
Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
@nigeriaphysio
PAGE 21
Diaspora News
I
Prof Abiodun E Akinwutan sent forth as he
completed US Full bright Program.
t was indeed a colourful yet
emo onal day when Prof
Akinwutan was sent forth a er he
completed his US Full bright
program at the University of Lagos.
The event took place at the Alumni
centre of the College of Medicine
and was chaired by the Dean of the
College, Prof. Foluso Ebun Afolabi
Lesi.
forward to achieve set goals. Prof
SRA Akinbo, Head of Department of
Physiotherapy also added to the
strings of commenda on and
appreciated Prof Akinwutan. He
enumerated all he had done for the
department and the numerous
dona ons of books and equipment
to assist learning and research.
Prof Akinwutan was then
presented with series of
meritorious awards from the
College and department, from the
University Of Lagos Associa on Of
Physiotherapy Students and the KB
Club in recogni on of his various
contribu ons.
In his opening statement, the dean
highlighted and commended Prof
Akinwutan's determina on and
passion to give back to his Almamater. Par cularly during his
tenure of the Fulbright program,
there were a lot of challenges but
even at that he was s ll very
resilient and was always pushing In his response, Prof Akinwutan
thanked ever yone for the
opportunity and the expression of
love he received from when he
arrived to start the program. He
however did not fail to highlight the
missed opportuni es as a result of
series of peculiar challenges
obtainable in Nigeria and hopes
that things will get be er in the
near future. He further stated that
he will con nue to do his own bit in
helping the physiotherapy program
in the University and con nue to
seek collabora ve opportuni es
with his own University, Georgia
Reagents where he is currently the
Associate Dean for research. Here
are some of the photos captured at
the event.
PAGE 22
PAGE 23
ABUJA,FCT
-bySchedrachOnwenu
WORLD PHYSIOTHERAPY DAY 2014
NIGERIA SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
Round Up
-by Bakare Ummukulthoum
The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy
joined their counterparts from all over
t h e w o r l d t o m a r k t h e Wo r l d
Physiotherapy Day 2014 in yet another
unprecedented manner. The ac vi es
which took place all across the na on in
the different state chapters spanning
across 36 states and the FCT, Abuja
where the na onal execu ve council
pitched the tent for this year's
celebra ons. The society used the day
to draw a en on to advocacy for the
profession, public health issues as well
as mark unity and solidarity of the
global physiotherapy community
against the back drop of WCPT's
commitment to support member
organisa ons in the efforts to promote
the profession and advance exper se.
This year the theme “Fit to take part” is
a sub- tle of the broad “Movement for
Health” campaign which emphasises
the role physiotherapists' play in
helping people with long-term
illnesses or disabili es to become
independent and fulfil their poten al.
The President of the Society, Mr Taiwo
Oyewumi reiterated the key messages
by the President of WCPT, Marilyn
Moffat in several media interac ons.
“The wonderful thing about World
Physical Therapy Day is that it can
highlight the importance of every
aspect of what we do and how we do
it," according to the WCPT President.
“ The message has to go out to
poli cians and other policy makers
that physical therapists are worth the
investment,” she said. Mr Oyewunmi
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
enjoined all physiotherapists to come
out en-masse to mark the day in their
respec ve loca ons across the Geopoli cal zones of the na on. “We are
strategically located in our role as
physiotherapists to keep people
func oning and ac ve throughout
their life span and it is our duty to let
people know how they can benefit
from our services op mally to promote
their health and prevent diseases”.
“Our choice of Abuja for this year is to
be close to the seat of government so
that we can make the necessary impact
required to ensure vital policies are
made.” “It is also an opportunity to
push the advocacy for our pet projects
the Community Outreach Program on
Disability which was launched in
Jigawa over a year ago as well as the
Community Outreach Program on
Physical Ac vity.”
The majority of the State chapters in
the federa on and the FCT carried out
different array of ac vi es in engaging
the community to draw a en on.
The FCT Chapter hosted the na onal
execu ve council of the NSP in Abuja as
part of the celebra ons for the World
Physiotherapy Day 2014. A public
lecture was the highlight of the series
of events which took place in the
na on's capital. To get things rolling Mr
I l e c h u k w u A l d r i c h - B e n n et , t h e
chairman of the FCT chapter, the Public
R e l a o n s O ffi c e r, B a k a r e
Ummukulthoum and one of the key
facilitators Dr Sam Ibeneme were on
hand to interact and sensi ze the
public on Radio Nigeria, Abuja on a
health program a day before. The
From public lectures to health
screenings, social media engagement,
public walks, and distribu on of
informa on flyers, all hand were on
d e c k to e n s u re u p s ca l e m e d i a
campaign. In late August 2014, the
President Mr Taiwo Oyewumi and the
Public Rela ons Officer Bakare
Ummukulthoum visited the News
Agency of Nigeria for a sit-down
session to enlighten the general public
on the World Physiotherapy Day, its
significance and the ac vi es the
society was due to roll out. In the wake
of the EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE in West
Africa and par cularly in Nigeria which
has now been successfully contained,
the society also used the opportunity
to highlight the challenges of this
infec ous disease and how we can
curb the menace and protect ourselves
as a na on. As a close contact prac ce
oriented profession, physiotherapists
are at a high level risk as health care
p ro fes s io n als h en ce a p o s i o n
statement was issued with WCPT
lending a global voice.
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
public lecture event took place at the
Trauma Center Main Hall, Na onal
Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria projec ng the
theme “Fit to take part” and a team of
experts which included two
physiotherapists, a neuro-surgeon, a
physician and a nutri onist were all
scheduled to bring their perspec ve
and exper se to fore. In the line up was
Dr Sam Ibeneme, Senior Lecturer,
University of Nigeria; Dr A Y Oyeyemi
Associate Professor, University of
Maiduguri; Dr Biodun Ogunbo, CEO
Spine Fixed in Abuja, and Dr Dayo
Ajibade Medical Director, Brain and
Body solu on Center, Abuja. Earlier a
co u r te sy v i s i t wa s p a i d to t h e
a d m i n i st ra o n o f t h e h o s p i ta l
represented by Ag CMAC Dr Ogugua
Osi-Ogbu who was par cularly keen to
partner with the society in the
advocacy for a healthier and more
produc ve popula on. There was also
a brief Yoga intro session as an
interlude by an instructor to keep
par cipants refreshed. Informa on
flyers were produced from toolkits
provided by WCPT and handed out for
par cipants to get facts about
physiotherapy, disability and noncommunicable diseases as well as the
EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE. The event was a
huge success with extensive media
coverage and post-event interviews as
well commendable turn out in
a endance.
PAGE 24
EBONYISTATE
-byNwobodoNnaemeka
The program started for the Ebonyi state chapter on 6th of
September 2014. The president, PT Monye Collins
alongside some senior physiotherapists, paid a visit to the
Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) broadcas ng sta on in
Ebonyi state where they were treated as special guests in a
popular live talkshow program called IHENE EME EME. The
PTs talked on the role of Physical Therapy in the
management of various non-communicable diseases and
used to opportunity to enlighten the local public on the
need for exercises in preven ve health and also the roles
physiotherapists play.
On the WCPT day, 8 September 2014, publicity banners
where placed at strategic areas of the federal teaching
hospital and pa ents as well other healthcare providers
where made aware of the celebra on of Physiotherapy and
they also joined in the commemora ons. PTs visited the
Na onal Television Authority (NTA) broadcas ng studio in
Abakaliki and conducted free medicals tests and
consulta ons for the staffs. They also entertained health
ques ons from the veteran staffs and provided proper
counselling and educa on of the staffs. This exercise was
followed by a short seminar for the staffs on the role of
physical therapists in the society at large.
LAGOSSTATE -byAdedamolaOnibokun
The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, Lagos State mobilized
members to par cipate in this year's World Physiotherapy
Day, 2014 by paying courtesy visits to the ins tu ons
where members are domicile. The state chairman, Mrs
Benedicta Njokanma and her team in a media chat
encouraged the populace to stay physically ac ve and
engage in physical ac vity consistently based on WHO's
recommenda ons. She also enjoined members to
par cipate fully in the different ac vi es that were
proposed in the hospitals across the state from health
walks, health talks, symposia, community outreach
programs, road shows, dance aerobics, helplines and
health checks. The Lagos State Chapter kicked of the
ac vi es with extensive publicity series of ac vi es on TV,
Radio and print media in Lagos to join the advocacy and
campaign against NCDs in their jurisdic on with the aim of
reaching a far wider audience. On 8th of September which
is the day set aside as the World Physical Therapy Day, there
was an interac ve live TV program and well as a popular
radio sta on COOLFM 96.9 to engage the community and
provide as much informa on about physical therapy, who
we are and what we do.
The EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE
preven on strategies
according to CDC and
WHO were also
highlighted as the major
outbreak happened in
Lagos state and people
were enlightened on how
to prevent contamina on and aid the containment efforts
of the Lagos State Government which turned out to be a
success.
KADUNASTATE -byEdwardBahago
T
he state chapter had a successful
World Physiotherapy Day (2014)
Celebra on with a Public Lecture on
the 8th of September. Physiotherapists
in the state, all dressed in a green and
white customized T-shirts provided for
the occasion alongside guests and
friends of Physiotherapy converged by
10.00am at the Women Mul purpose
Hall, Kaduna, Nigeria.
The event was chaired by Dr. H.
Yahya, the MD of Barau Dikko
Specialist Hospital, Kaduna and
the lecture en tled “Disability: A
manageable but a preventable
menace. How?" was delivered by
M r. B a b a t o l a R o b i , t h e
immediate past chairman of the
chapter. The chairman of the
Kaduna State chapter, Mr. S. O. A.
Obajuluwa played the host,
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
while notable government
func onaries where also invited. The
event was covered by NTA, Voice of
Nigeria, Radio Nigeria Kaduna and
Daily Trust Newspaper, among others.
Prior to the day there was
sensi za on/courtesy visits by the
members of the state chapter to, the
management of Nigerian Television
Authority (NTA) Kaduna Network
Cen re, Hon. Commissioner, Kaduna
State Ministry of Health, among other
organiza ons in the state.
A Pre-WPTD lecture on the 4th of
September was held for the
managerial officers at the office of the
Kaduna State Head of Service. The
lecture tled: "Low back pain as a
cause of disability, and ways of
managing it", was delivered by Mrs. F.
R. Egwu, a seasoned physiotherapist
with Barau Dikko Specialist
Hospital, Kaduna. NSP Kaduna
State chapter was featured in a live
phone-in programme of the NTA
Kaduna, "Kaduna Live" on a
Saturday following the world
Physiotherapy Day. We had two (2)
recorded programmes in Hausa in
both Am and FM arms of Federal
Radio Corpora on of Nigeria
(FRCN).
PAGE 25
News Reel
A
New Unit
Is Born
T
he Exercise Immunology Unit of
the Physiotherapy Department
at University of Nigeria Teaching
Hospital, Enugu was commissioned
on the 11th of September 2013 by
the Chief Medical Director of the
hospital, Dr C.C Amah. Exercise
Immunology focuses on the
influence of exercise on the immune
system and physiotherapists being
clinical exercise specialists have
taken the lead in UNTH. This was
pioneered by Mrs Nnenna Nina
Chigbo under the leadership of Dr
E.C Nwigwe, the Head of
Department. Exercise Immunology
is a subunit of Exercise Therapy
headed by Mr Chris Onugha. The
birth of this unit is one of the
numerous benefits of Mrs Chigbo's
one year exposure in the United
States under the Hubert H
Humphrey Fellowship in 2010-2011.
The Humphrey Fellowship is
awarded by the J. William Fulbright
program and administered by the
U.S Department of State's Bureau of
Education and Cultural Affairs. The
Humphrey Program brings young
and mid-career professionals from
designated countries to the United
States for a year of non-degree
graduate-level study, leadership
development, and professional
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
collaboration with U.S.
counterparts. Mrs Chigbo spent her
Humphrey year in The Global
Health Department of the Rollins
School of Public Health with top
notch faculty and students at the
Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
She gained professional experience
in the areas of HIV Policy, treatment
and Prevention, focusing on
outcomes research and programme
development. Some of her
affiliations were with the Exercise
Immunology lab at the division of
Physical Therapy in Emory
University, the National Center for
HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD & TB
Prevention Unit of the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) where she served as a guest
researcher. Other affiliations were
with AID Atlanta, Care USA,
Medshare, American Red Cross,
American Cancer Society, American
Management Association, American
Public Health Association (HIV
section), Habitat for Humanities to
mention but a few. She was
opportuned to meet with top US
The birth of this unit is one of the
numerous benefits of Mrs Chigbo's
one year exposure in the United States
under the Hubert H Humphrey
Fellowship in 2010-2011.
government officials like the then
Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton,
President Jimmy Carter, Senator
Jason Carter, etc. Her innovative
and dedicated spirit led to further
sponsorship during this year by The
National Institute for Drug Abuse
(NIDA). This same attitude enabled
her initiate the start of a special
interest group for physiotherapists
working in the area of oncology,
palliative care and HIV/AIDS in
Nigeria.
Presently, her work focuses on
improving the outcomes of people
with deranged immune systems
and blood disorders. She believes
physiotherapy can make an impact
in this new and evolving area from
diagnosis to palliative care and is
presenting advocating for early
referrals of HIV and Cancer patients
to physiotherapy.
PAGE 26
PAGE 27
T
PROF
HAMZAT
INAUGURAL
REPORT
he stage had been set long
before and nothing could beat
the sense of accomplishment of the
inaugural lecture delivered by the
“learning professor” as he referred
to numerous times during the
proceedings. Prof TK Hamzat took
centre stage on February 6, 2014 at
the prestigious Trenchard hall of the
University of Ibadan to deliver his
inaugural lecture as a professor of
neurophysiotherapy titled “From
ward to ward: The
Neurophysiotherapist as a returning
officer”.
The much awaited event was well
attended by dignitaries notably the
87-year “young” Pa Dr T. A Oshin,
colleagues and well-wishers who
travelled from far and wide. He
surpassed many expectations in a
thought provoking yet captivating
endeavour while adding bits of
humour along the way as he
showcased physiotherapy and
indeed neurophysiotherapy to the
listening audience within and
outside the walls of trenchard hall.
This will be the second time in the
47- year history of the university a
Physiotherapist has stepped up to
the podium to deliver a lecture in
this series. The first was presented
by the erudite scholar Professor
PRESIDENT TAIWO OYEWUMI
BEARS THE NATIONS FLAG
President Taiwo Oyewumi
represented the society at the
Work Force Summit in the
United States of America over a
th
course of 3 days from the 7-9 of
December, 2013. The Summit is
jointly organized by the World
Confederation for Physical
Therapy (WCPT) and supported
by the American Physical
Therapy Association (APTA)
and Canadian Physiotherapist
Association (CPA).
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
The summit was convened
primarily to develop strategies to
address concerns and priorities
of the global physiotherapy
community relating to
workforce supply and demand
and develop a consensus
statement in making necessary
recommendations to policy
makers.
Arinola O Sanya who is currently
the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the
University in 2010 titled
“Physiotherapy and Wellness: Rungs
of the Ladder” which was also
responsible for showcasing the
profession like never before and
equally received with wide acclaim.
Prof Hamzat's lecture was delivered
aptly and it created the perspective
of the existing day to day
challenges and proffered solutions
in a 7-point communiqué to summ
it all up in the end. Everyone in
attendance or watching live via the
university's live stream portal will
have a lot to ponder about long
after leaving the room when the
lecture itself was over. Indeed a
celebration of one of our own.
In closing Prof Hamzat said “In the
course of my educational and
professional journeys, many people
have served as my guides and
guardians, and to them I am very
grateful. Certain anon wrote: “We
want a learning professor, not a
learned professor, one who does
not read is not better than one who
cannot”. Congratulations to the
learning professor and we wish
Professor Hamzat many more years
of excellence and successes ahead
for the benefit of the profession and
humanity.
PAGE 28
News Reel
THE CITY OF AKURE
ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET
SYNOPSIS
The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy
(NSP) con nued tradi on and held
successfully her 53rd Annual Na onal
Scien fic Conference tagged
“SUNSHINE 2013” at First Molac Hotel
and Public Service Training Ins tute,
Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State between
27th October and 2nd November,
2013. NSP members from various
states chapters, the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT) and diaspora were in
a endance. The Theme of the
Conference was “Advancing
Physiotherapy in Nigeria: Team
Building and Con nuous Professional
Development” while the Sub-Themes
were “Physiotherapy in Maternal and
Child Health” and
“Physiotherapy in the
Management of Trauma c
Injuries: Current Trends.
The opening ceremony was chaired
by the Chief (Dr) Joseph Iranola
Akinlaja and the Chief host was the
Execu ve Governor of Ondo State, His
Excellency Dr Olusegun Mimiko
accompanied by his amiable wife
Oluwakemi Mimiko along with key
members of Ondo State Execu ve
Council and top echelon of the State's
Ministry of Health and Hospitals
Management Board; notable among
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
them were Chief of Staff to the
Governor, Dr Kola Ademujimi and
Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo
Adeyanju. The first Christopher Ajao
lecture tled “UNITY, THE COMPASS
AND PATHFINDER TO THE
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF
PHYSIOTHERAPY IN NIGERIA IN THE
21ST CENTURY" was delivered at the
opening ceremony by Professor Victor
Obajuluwa, a Professor and Academic
Coordinator of Clinical Educa on
(ACCE) with the Ivy Tech Physical
Therapy faculty. The 1st Thompson
Abayomi Oshin Elite Lecture tled
“Func onal Ac vity A er
Neurological Impairment” was also
delivered by Dr Abiodun Akinwutan
who recently completed
a US Fulbright
Scholarship Program
with the College of Medicine,
University of Lagos, Nigeria and also
the interim Dean and Associate
Professor, Georgia Regents University,
USA. Among others, the Conference
events featured Commi ee of Heads
of Physiotherapy Departments in
Nigeria (CHOPDIN), plenary sessions
on the theme and sub-theme of the
Conference, Annual General Mee ng,
tourist train to Idanre Hills and a visit
to the Medical Village at Ondo town.
Below are the breakdown of the day
to day ac vity summary at the
proceedings of the day were a huge
success coupled with exhibi on by
corporate partners of the NSP at the
venue.
conference:
DAY 3: 29th October, 2013
DAY 1: 27 October, 2013
Arrival of delegates from all parts of
the na on began. Prepara ons for
Heads of Department workshop and
annual general mee ng was also in
top gear. As usual, this kick started
the annual conference and the
Chairman of the Commi ee of Heads
of Departments, Dr P.N Abanum and
Secretary, Ms Iyabo Okulaja in coopera on with the LOC ensured that
all prepara ons were place. Delegates
arrived to the warmth and endearing
welcome of the Local Organizing
Commi ee (LOC) chairman, Afolabi
Oluyinka who was on hand to ensure
that all par cipants were well taken
care of for a memorable event. There
LOC also had on hand a logis cs team
to provide support and assistance for
all arriving delegates into Akure.
DAY 2: 28th October 2013
The CHOPDIN Workshop commenced
and took place at PUBLIC SERVICE
TRAINING INSTITUTE, ALAGBAKA,
AKURE with an impressive
a endance. More delegates
con nued to arrive and were
a ended to swi ly by the LOC
registra on desk to se le them down
and ensuring adequate assistance
was given when needed. The
PAGE 29
News Reel
The Chairman of the Commi ee of
Heads of Departments(CHOPDIN),
Mrs. PN Abanum and her secretary
Miss Iyabo Okulaja convened the
Annual General Mee ng of CHOPDIN.
Per nent issues regarding the role of
Heads of Departments in the ongoing
developmental strategies for the
profession were delebrated upon. The
Pre- Conference Workshop facilitated
by the Na onal Post graduate
Physiotherapy College of Nigeria
tled “Publica on-Oriented Clinical
Prac ce” also took place while
exhibi on by the corporate partners
also con nued. The day's ac vi es
got rounded off with a welcome
cocktail hosted and partly sponsored
by the Chief Medical Director of the
State Specialist Hospital Akure , Dr
Ikuomola who briefly showed up
before the start of the evening's
event and wished the society a
successful conference. The LOC
members were on ground to treat
delegates to a deligh ul delicacies
and cocktail drinks. The high point of
the night was when the event MC,
Mrs Olasehinde introduced the goat
meat barbeque peculiar to Ondo
people to the gathering. While the
delegates enjoyed the night's menu,
there was opportunity for interac on
in the spirit of unity for the
conference.
DAY 4: 30th October 2013
The Chairman of the Educa on
Commi ee, Dr Bridget Birabi and her
able team ensured that all abstracts
submi ed were peer-reviewed and
will not only make significant
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
contribu on to knowledge but also
for enhancement of prac ce
standards as part of the NSP's
commitment to emulate interna onal
best prac ces. The scien fic sessions
were the highlight of the day. Paper
presenta ons held in parallel sessions
with similar topics grouped into
special es, thereby, accommoda ng
a wide range of topics for discourse.
The preceding plenary sessions were
anchored by seasoned
physiotherapists and delegates
par cipated sa sfactorily in the
sessions.
of the State Execu ve Council. The
chairman of the state chapter, Mr
Oladapo Olagbegi warmly welcomed
the audience and highlighted the role
physiotherapy plays in the
community. While thanking the
governor for his support and
generosity, he also used the
opportunity to highlight the areas of
deficiency in the state and appealed
for con nual collabora on within
Ondo State NSP. The Conference
Guest Lecture, which was also the
first ever Christopher Ajao Lecture,
tled “UNITY, THE COMPASS AND
PATHFINDER TO THE PROFESSIONAL
DAY 5: 31st October, 2013
The formal opening
ceremony took place with
red carpets rolled out at the
FIRST MOLAC HOTEL,
AKURE. As guests con nued
to arrive and be seated, the
Public Rela ons Officer,
Bakare Ummukulthoum ran
things smoothly along with
the Masters of Ceremony
and co-anchorman, Dr
Myke Omogberale of the University of
Benin, Benin City, Edo. The dignitaries
started to arrive and the formal
opening ceremony commenced in
earnest with the rendi on of Nigeria's
Na onal Anthem. The opening
ceremony was chaired by the Chief
(Dr) Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, a
member of house of representa ves
arm of the Na onal Assembly while
the chief host was the Execu ve
Governor of Ondo State, His
Excellency, Dr Olusegun Mimiko who
came in the company of his amiable
wife, Mrs Oluwakemi Mimiko. Other
eminent dignitaries and personali es
in the state were also present
including the Chief of Staff to the
Governor, Dr Kola Ademujimi,
commissioner for health, Dr Dayo
Adeyanju and some other members
GROWTH OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN
NIGERIA IN THE 21ST CENTURY" was
delivered sumptuously at the opening
ceremony by Professor Victor
Obajuluwa, a Professor and Academic
Coordinator of Clinical Educa on
(ACCE) with the Ivy Tech Physical
Therapy Faculty. The message was
very strong and direct taking the
audience down the history lane of
Physiotherapy in Nigeria and
problems encountered in elec ons
and governance in NSP with profered
solu on in unity to drive home his
points. He however gave everyone
including Governor Mimiko
something to take away and draw
lessons from. The Ondo State
Governor, His Excellency, Dr Olusegun
Mimiko made reference to the Guest
Speaker's speech and relevance even
to the Nigerian poli cal situa on. He
then gave his key note address to
declare the conference officially open
as well as kick started the Launch of
the “NWUGA FOUNDATION”. The NSP
President Taiwo Oyewumi thanked
the Governor and his team and
appealed for support for the
physiotherapists prac cing in the
state to alleviate their challenges
which he promised to look into. The
NSP President, Taiwo Oyewumi, who
earlier gave his welcome speech, then
proceeded to present Mr Governor,
supported by wife and members of
Ondo State Execu ve Council, the
Award of "Excellence in Leadership”.
All other highlights included
fundraising for the proposed
Physiotherapy house and tour of the
exhibi on stands. The event was
brought to a close and at the
a ernoon session was the 1st ever
Thompson Abayomi Oshin Elite
Lecture tled "Func onal Ac vity
a er Neurological Impairment" was
also delivered by Dr Abiodun
Akinwutan, a US Fulbright Foreign
Scholar, interim Dean and Associate
Professor, Georgia Regents University,
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
Augusta, USA. The day's ac vity got
winded to an end with a tourist tour
trip to the famous 'Magical' Idanre
hills at Idanre township where most
delegates were visi ng for the very
first me were able to test their
fitness levels haven to climb the
constructed many steps leading to the
hill's table top abode of the ancient
town's aborigienes which culminated
as one of the social high points of the
highly successful and even ul day.
PAGE 30
me to prepare for the closing dinner
event. The delegates were then
treated to a sumptuous dinner and
merry making which con nued late
into the night. The highlights included
presenta on of awards for
meritorious service to the past
execu ve council members and
deserving NSP members, honouring
of the first set of DPT graduates as
well as general rousing apprecia on
to the LOC of Sunshine 2013.
DAY 6: 1ST November 2013
DAY 7: 2nd November 2013
The Annual General Mee ng
commenced in the morning and was
presided over by the President of the
Society, Taiwo Oyewumi. A er many
useful delibera ons and resolu ons,
While most delegates departed safely
to various des na ons around the
country as the conference
programme came to its official close,
other interested delegates went in
the company of NSP president Taiwo
Oyewumi, some na onal execu ve
members and LOC were received and
taken through a tour of the Medical
Village comprising of tripar te
ultramodern Trauma Centre, Mother
and Child Hospital, a Renal Centre
and a state of the art Informa on
Centre edifice at Laje road, Ondo City
by the honourable Commissioner for
Health, Dr Adedayo Adeyanju. At the
end of the visit the NSP president
commended the effort of the Ondo
State Government in building such
well equipped facili es for the good
people of Ondo State and Nigerians.
He however called on other state
governments and Federal
government to emulate the examples
the Ondo State Government has
made towards saving lives and
reducing medical tourism outside the
shores of Nigeria. The commissioner
promised to take NSP messages and
pieces of advice given while touring
to Mr Governor at the end of the
tour.The tour and the whole
conference were duly covered on
local and na onal radio and television
sta ons and also na onal dailies.
the mee ng was eventually brought
to a close. The highlights included,
cons tu onal review and adop on,
the blue print Na onal Postgraduate
Physiotherapy College of Nigeria,
Nomina ons/ra fica ons for award
of the society, WCPT-A agenda and
par cipa on. The mee ng was
brought to a conclusive end late in
the a ernoon and the delegates had
PAGE 31
P
4. Doctor of Physiotherapy program harmoniza on.
resident Taiwo Oyewumi is
5. Exchange Programs
Ac on Plan:
serving as the arrow head of the
NSP to award five deserving members
interna onal alliance ini a ve of his
APTA focuses on basic science, clinical of APTA with the award of Fellow of
administra on's agenda. This is a
the Postgraduate College upon
welcomed development as he led the based and health services research.
recommenda on. NSP to understudy
APTA main thrust is now on health
delega on of NSP members at a
the model of APTA specializa on.NSP
service research. APTA is working to
mee ng with the American Physical
to liaise with APTA sec on on
bridge the gap between the
Therapy Associa on (APTA) in June
Researchers, Educators and Clinicians. Educa on
2013. This is a significant step
CPDs: APTA has about 500 CPDs on
APTA is also organizing mentorship
towards ensuring that the society
going and NSP can benefit from it to
programs. APTA established research
collaborates with interna onal
the interna onal partners. APTA
partners for the benefits of
now
using virtual and other
the members and the na on
learning
domains for online
as a whole. President Taiwo
learning.
Internal categories is
Oyewumi and his Vice
free.
APTA
has hook on evidence
President Mrs Uzuma Imo
and
portal
for
members only.
travelled to the United States
American Physical Therapy Association Ac on:
to a end the APTA congress
The Science of Healing. The Art of Caring.
NSP proposed for NSP to be part
and part of the agenda was to
of APTA especially those in good
have a round table discussion
standing with NSP.
on the areas of collabora on
DPT: APTA advise that it is be er
with APTA.
to liaise with APTA for online
The following is a synopsis of
programme. Cindy presented
what happened at the
founda on funds. NSP is following
the current effort by Unflint Michigan,
mee ng of APTA and NSP which took
similar paths.
USA.
place at the Grand Ball Room, Hilton
Ac
on Plan:
1. First set graduated six Nigeria
Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA on the
NSP to organise a 2 or 3 day
Physiotherapists
24th June, 2013
workshop on the following:
2. Second set ongoing
1. How to search for grant.
3. Third set to matriculate very
A endance:
2. How to write of proposals.
soon.
1. President Paul Rockar – APTA
3.
Research
and
grant
wri
ng
skills.
2. President Taiwo Oyewumi – NSP
It is worthy to note that the APTA
3. Rene Malone – APTA Staff
Speakers:
president
Paul Rocker commended
4. Libby – APTA Staff
1.
APTA
the
President
Taiwo Oyewumi's
5. Dr. Abiodun Akinwuntan –NSP
2.
Funding
Agency
efforts
and
he
is very keen on
6. Mrs. Por a Imo – NSP
3.
Federal
Ministry
of
Health
prospec ng the alliance with the
7. Professor Cindy Pflazer – For U-M
Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy. One
Flint Michigan & NSP
II) Clinical Residency Programme:
of the many benefits among others is
About
14,000 APTA members are
that members from NSP can register
Agenda:
inclined to follow specializa on
with APTA and enjoy the same rates
1. Research
models.
APTA and NSP Models of
for their programs and educa onal
2. Na onal Postgraduate
Clinical specializa on defers in
packages.
Physiotherapy College of Nigeria
terminologies
and structures. APTA
3. Con nuous Professional
and NSP resolve to look for areas to
Development
THEAPTAALLIANCE
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
PAGE 32
2.
3.
4.
5.
Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy
Inaugurates DPT Action Committee
6.
The National Executive Council of
the Nigeria Society of
Physiotherapy (NSP) recently
constituted a high powered
Committee saddled with the sole
responsibility of getting DPT
curriculum approved by the
National University Commission.
The DPT Committee is headed by
Mrs. Portia Imo, the Vice President
of the NSP as Chair, while Dr.
Emmanuel B. John will serve as
Secretary. Other committee
members include:
· Dr. Adetoyeje Oyeyemi - Vice
Chair
· Prof. H.A.N. Okeke – Member
· Dr. Teslim Onigbinde –
Member
· Dr. Jovita Ada Daniel – Member
· U.A.C. Okafor –
Member/Assistant Secretary
· Professor Arinola Sanya –
Adviser
· Col. (Dr.) Paschal O. Mogbo
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
(Rtd) – Adviser
· One (1) nominated
representative each from all
training institutions as comembers
· One Representative of the
MRTRB Registrar
Professor Arinola Sanya, the
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(Administration) of the University
of Ibadan, graciously accepted to
host the first meeting of the
committee on June 3, 2013 at
Ibadan.
Terms of reference of the
Committee are:
1. To ensure that the National
Universities Commission
(NUC) approves the Doctor of
Physiotherapy (DPT)
programme as a basic degree
programme in Nigeria
Universities within two (2)
years.
7.
8.
9.
10.
To liaise with the Education
Committee of NSP to ensure
that National Universities
Commission (NUC) approves
Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)
as the Minimum Academic
Curriculum (B-MAC) for
Physiotherapy in Nigeria.
To persuade intending training
schools for physiotherapy
programmes (both Private and
Public) to adopt Doctor of
Physiotherapy (DPT) as their
B-MAC for Physiotherapy.
To liaise with the Medical
Rehabilitation Therapists'
Board of Nigeria (MRTB) in
order to ensure that the year
2016 time frame for
compliance with
commencement of DPT as
Benchmark by the Nigerian
Universities Commission is
adhered to.
To submit report on the
Committee's ongoing plans
and actions to the NSP
Governing Council on monthly
basis.
To liaise with th the NSP to sort
out grey area/s (if any)
concerning logistics, funding
and other relevant areas.
To convince the University of
Ilorin, University of Uyo and
University of Jos that are about
starting Physiotherapy
programmes on the reasons
why they should start-up with
DPT and ensure that they
comply with starting with DPT.
To ensure that at least, two
Universities in Nigeria
commence with either or both
Transitional or Entry Level DPT
programme before expiration
of this administration in
October, 2014.
The tenure of this committee
will terminate at the expiration
of this administration.
To serve in advisory capacity
and act in all manners of
issues regarding DPT
programme.
PAGE 33
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A
Know
a patient needs a prescription from a doctor
to be treated by a physical therapist.
5. Physical therapists alone cannot diminish
your symptoms. When treating patients, I
often wish I had a magic wand to wave over
an ailing body part. Unfortunately, we
cannot perform magic. Physical therapy is
successful when the patient and the therapist work
together on creating a treatment plan in order to meet
ver wonder what there is to know about physical the patient's goals.
therapy that you don't already know? Here are the top
10 things you may not know!
4. If you tell your physical therapist that an exercise is
E
4
easy, we will make it harder. If you tell your physical
10. Physical therapists can work in a variety of settings therapist that you can't do an exercise, we will find a way
such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, to ensure that you can.
home health agencies, schools, nursing homes, and even
the Emergency Room.
3. When a physical therapist tells you they are going to
massage a muscle, it may not feel like the nice relaxing
9. In addition to working in different settings, there are massage you get at the spa. Massage performed in
different types of physical therapy. These may include therapy is to decrease tightness and tone and to improve
or thopaedic, acute care, post-operative care, tissue mobility of a specific muscle that may be very
cardiovascular and pulmonary rehab, lymphoedema inflamed or the source of joint pain.
management, wound care, and neurologic rehabilitation.
10
9
3
8
2
7
1
8. Physical therapists can treat vertigo. Positional
vertigo, when you experience very brief bouts of
dizziness with changes in position or movement of the
head, is the most common cause of dizziness. It is a
dysfunction of the vestibular system in the inner ear. It
can successfully be treated in as little as one session with
a physical therapist.
7. Physical therapists hold advanced degrees. I am
shocked at the number of patients who are surprised
when they find out that I hold a Doctorate degree, or
even went to graduate school, to become a physical
therapist. Many years ago, you could practice physical
therapy with a bachelor's degree. However, our scope of
practice and knowledge of medicine has grown
tremendously in the last few decades that most graduate
programs offer an entry-level 3-year
Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)
degree. Physical therapists have to pass a
medical board exam in order to obtain
their license to treat patients.
2. “No Pain, No Gain” does not always hold true. There
are a few diagnoses where this saying holds true, such as
when working on range of motion after a knee
replacement or if you have a frozen shoulder. Most of the
time, treatments and exercises should be relatively painfree. If being treated for low back pain or an overuse
injury in a tendon, you want to stay away from certain
movements or positions that may aggravate the
condition.
1. It is so important to do your home-exercise program!
There is a reason that your physical therapist puts in the
time and effort of designing a home program specifically
for you. If you don't follow their recommendation during
therapy or after you are discharged, you will get to know
your therapist very well because you will be seeing them
again and again for the same problem.
6
6. In many states, you can be evaluated
and treated by a physical therapist without
seeing your doctor first. These states have
Direct Access. More states are leaning
towards this practice since the profession
of physical therapy is growing so rapidly
with the requirement of an advanced
degree. Currently, Illinois is not a Direct Access state, and
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
*Editor's Note: Liz’s contribution is from
her online blog based in the United States.
Physical Therapy is also known as Physiotherapy.
PAGE 34
E
bonyi State, and in
explosion of ac vi es ensued. o f p h y s i o t h e r a p y i n t h e
par cular Abakaliki has
The first WCPT Day ac vity in management of Burn pa ents”.
been a quiet city in all
was held in 2012. In 2013, the The paper was presented by
ramifica ons. Physiotherapy
physiotherapists con nued to Anekwu, Emelie Moris (PT).
had been in the shadows as
push harder to make their mark. They also made significant
well un l 2012, when
contribu ons during
dras cally turned
the ac vi es marking
things around in the
the “World AIDS Day” in
state with the kicking
Abakaliki metropolis.
off of Federal Teaching
In February 2014, the
Hospital, Abakiliki. Dr
physiotherapists came
Ezeonu Olisaemeka,
together to elect
the Chief Medical
officials to lead the
Director of ins tu on
state chapter ac vi es
turned the de, when
of Nigeria Society of
he opened the door for
Physiotherapy. A public
the influx of
lecture was organized
physiotherapists in the
during
the inaugura on
By John Davidson Okwudili (pt, Msc)
state. The employment
of the newly elected
of 18 new
EXCOS, in order to
Their presence was felt in
physiotherapists in addi on to D e c e m b e r, 2 0 1 3 , a s t h e y benefit the public and more so,
the 6 pioneer physiotherapists par cipated ac vely in the to create awareness about
increased physiotherapy
forma on of Ebonyi State physiotherapy in the state. The
service capacity in the state. As “BURNS SOCIETY”. During the public lecture was cap oned
“ The paradigm shi in the
management of obesity and
diabetes mellitus from
regula ng caloric intake to
enhancing metabolism: the role
of lep n”. The guest lecturer
was Dr Sam Ibeneme. It was a
nice ou ng which had the
hospital management in
a endance led by the Chief
Medical Director represented by
Dr Emeka Onwe, Chairman
medical advisory commi ee, Dr
Nnadozie, the servicom
chairman and a plas c surgeon.
Other eminent personali es
included the President Nigeria
The excos poses with the National president
Society of Physiotherapy, Mr
(L-R) Frank Emeana (provost), Peter Odo (Fin. Sec), John Davidson (P.R.O), Monye
Ta i w o O y e w u m i , a n d M r
Collins (Chairman),Taiwo Oyewumi(National president), Uzor Umahi Nnena
Chijioke Ezeugwu, Chairman
(Vice president), Agbahia Chizoba (Asst. Sec), Ude Nonso (General Secretary),
Nwobodo Nnaemeka (Asst. P.R.O)
Enugu state chapter of Nigeria
Society of Physiotherapy. Others
ac vi es marking the Burns in a endance were consultants
the 24 physiotherapists in the
w e e k i n t h e s t a t e , t h e from the diabe c clinic, other
state were paving the way, 30
physiotherapy department departmental heads, gentle
new physiotherapists were
presented a paper on “The role men of the press and the general
injected in 2013, and the
EVOLUTION OF
PHYSIOTHERAPY
IN ABAKALIKI,
EBONYI STATE
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
PAGE 35
public.
NSP Ebonyi State chapter kicked
off a er the event and
immediately par cipated in the
ac vi es marking the
celebra on of workers day. The
society sponsored a media talk
in Nigeria Television Authority,
Abakaliki, where 3
physiotherapists educated the
public and Nigerian workers on
“Exercise and NonCommunicable Diseases”. The
Society also held a health talk for
the staffs of Radio Nigeria
Abakliki on “Work related
musculoskeletal health
challenges”. The lecture was
delivered by John Davidson
Okwudili (PT).
A lot is yet to come from (L-R): Dr Sam Ibeneme (Guest Lecturer), Dr Nnadozie (Chairman servicom),
Dr Emeka Onwe (Chairman medical advisory committee),
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, but the
Rasaq Mufutau (HOD Physiotherapy),
era has just begun.
Dr Ezeugwu (Chairman, Enugu state NSP Chapter).
L o n g L i ve N S P ! L o n g L i ve
Nigeria!
1-4 May 2015
Where the world of physical therapy meets
www.wcpt.org/congress
Host:
Singapore Physiotherapy Association
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)
represents the physical therapy profession worldwide
PAGE 36
Communiqué Issued At The End Of The 53rd Annual National Scientific
Conference Of The Nigeria Society Of Physiotherapy (NSP) Held At
First Molac Hotel And Public Service Training Institute Alagbaka,
Akure Ondo State City Between
29th October And 2nd November 2013
PREAMBLE:
The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) con nued tradi on
and held successfully her 53rd Annual Na onal Scien fic
Conference tagged “SUNSHINE 2013” at First Molac Hotel and
Public Service Training Ins tute, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State.
NSP members from various states chapters, the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT) and diaspora were in a endance. The Theme of
the Conference was “Advancing Physiotherapy in Nigeria: Team
Building and Con nuous Professional Development” while the
Sub-Themes were “Physiotherapy in Maternal and Child Health”
and “Physiotherapy in the Management of Trauma c Injuries:
Current Trends.
The opening ceremony was chaired by the Chief (Dr) Joseph
Iranola Akinlaja and the chief host was the Execu ve Governor
of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr Olusegun Mimiko accompanied
by his amiable wife Oluwakemi Mimiko. The first Christopher
Ajao lecture tled “UNITY, THE COMPASS AND PATHFINDER TO
THE PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN NIGERIA
IN THE 21ST CENTURY" was delivered at the opening ceremony
by Professor Victor Obajuluwa, a Professor and Academic
Coordinator of Clinical Educa on (ACCE) with the Ivy Tech
Physical Therapy faculty. The 1st Thompson Abayomi Oshin Elite
Lecture tled was also delivered by associate Professor Abiodun
Akinwutan who is currently a US Fulbright scholar to the College
of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria and he is the Associate
Dean for Research in Georgia Reagents University, USA. Among
others the Conference events featured Commi ee of Heads of
Physiotherapy Departments in Nigeria (CHOPDIN), plenary
sessions on the theme and sub-theme of the Conference, annual
general mee ng, tourist train to Idanre Hills and a visit to the
Medical Village. The following decisions and resolu ons were
reached at the conference.
Resolu ons and Decisions:
1. The Cons tu on of the NSP underwent review and was
adopted. It will be worthy to note the last review was last
done in 2007. Details of the review of the 2007 NSP
cons tu on as amended by the house will be published by
the Cons tu on Review Commi ee of NSP within a set
meline.
2.
That state chapter reports will be reviewed under the
following considera ons hence forth:
Ÿ An official copy of reports is required to be provided
for the secretariat on or before the AGM annually.
Ÿ Marks/Appraisals would be awarded to states based
on their reports.
Ÿ Guidelines will be created to capture necessary
requirements in state chapters' reports.
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
That the NEC in co-opera on with all
members of the society should
endeavor to source for the necessary
fund amoun ng to a total of N3.5m to
secure the NSP land in Ibadan within
the s pulated me frame.
That NEC should to look into the issue
of forming a forum of chairpersons of
state chapters of NSP within the next
3months to foster governance and
unity.
That the newly appointed chairman of
the Board of MRTB Col. Pascal Mogbo
should con nue to strengthen es and
the good rela onship and the
NSP/MRTB rela onship be further
improved in all ramifica ons.
That the NSP should within the
s pulated me frame come up with a
posi on paper on the issue of
rota onal leadership in departments.
That the tune and lyrics of the NSP
anthem as presented by Mr Taiwo
Ologun of the commi ee tasked with
the assignment was a generally
acceptable one but should be worked
on further to fine tune the version as
presented.
That the NSP's commitment to
commence a clinical physiotherapy
residency training programme in
Nigeria has taken off with the
inaugura on of the governing board
in April of 2013. The necessary
process of recruitment of fellows by
elec on is already taking due course.
The NPPCN Governing Board include:
PAGE 37
Dr. (Mrs.) Bridget Birabi
Mr. Tokunbo Odunowo
Dr. Jide Olawale
Ms. Iyabo Okulaja
Prof. Sunday R. A. Akinbo
Dr. Michael Egwu
Dr. Sam. Ibeneme
9.
Secretary
Treasurer
That the NSP is and will con nue
to be of good standing with the
World physiotherapy body, the
World Conference for Physical
Therapy (WCPT) and be well
represented at the Regional body
WCPT-Africa as a general
consensus statement. The
leadership posi on within the
West Africa Physiotherapy Union
(WAPU) affairs manned by Dr UAC
Okafor has been effec vely
executed so far but we need to
capitalize on our posi on in the
region.
10. The nominees for the Fellow of the
Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy
Award for 2014 were presented
and approved by the general
house.
11. That the 54th Annual Scien fic
Conference and General Mee ng
will take place in Lokoja, Kogi State
in 2014.
Bakare Ummukulthoum
Public Rela ons Officer
Addendum: Kogi State has since
indicated incapacita on to host the
conference post-AGM hence Delta State
is now taking over the responsibility and
are the new hosts for the 54th Annual
Scien fic Conference and General
Mee ng.
C.A.N.C.E.R
Prologue
In the wake of a new dawn
I try to put some thoughts into this piece
With the hope that we all can continue to go on
In the quest to seek what is amiss
What does the word C.A.N.C.E.R mean to you?
A life left unlived or point of no return?
Does it define what we feel or do?
Or a battle that can never be won?
Mankind faced with trials decades long before
To seek answers to our worst fear
And even though it may seem so much more
Way much more than we can bear
Cancer has no barriers as it is
But there is need to track it and trace
For we all need to join the cause to ease
The travails of the human race
I chose to stand up for this cause
To give the chance of renewed hope
To say boldy that we are now keen on winning the
wars
And that cancer has no place in our scope
So join the Campain Against this menace
Of a Non-Communicable condition such as this
And Examine Regularly to prevent the deadly phase
To strive for a new life, a new lease...
Epilogue
So here is to the eradication of this disease
And to the survivor stories we will continue to hear
And to the quest of our finding our inner peace
And our determination to get there...
To be continued
By: Bakare Ummukulthoum
NPPCN Council Chairman and Members
Prof. Ma hew O. B. Olaogun President
Col. (Dr.) Paschal Mogbo
V/President
Revd. Adeolu O. Jaiyesimi
Registrar
Mal. Garba Faggae
Dr. (Mrs.) Dapo Taiwo
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
PAGE 38
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING (OGM)
OF THE NIGERIA SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY (NSP) HELD AT THE
LANDMARK HOTEL, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE
ON THURSDAY JULY 17TH, 2014.
PREAMBLE
The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) had her Ordinary General Mee ng at Landmark Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers
State. The mee ng deliberated and reviewed a number of issues of interest to physiotherapists, physiotherapy profession
and the Nigeria health industry in general.
At the end of the mee ng the following decisions and resolu ons were reached:
1.
That the NSP 2013 Financial and Auditors reports as presented and accepted by the OGM showed that NSP
must urgently work out innova ve means of genera ng fund. Furthermore, the OGM mandated the Na onal
Execu ve Council (NEC) to set up a Fund Raising Commi ee to enable her execute various capital projects.
2.
That NSP reject in its en rety the Federal Government White paper on merger of the Medical Rehabilita on
Therapists (Registra on) Board of Nigeria and that of the Optometrists and Dental Technicians regulatory
agencies. OGM backed NEC earlier posi on papers to the Federal government that MRTB was viable to stand
alone and is incompa ble in roles and responsibili es with that of the aforemen oned regulatory agencies.
3.
That the NSP should pursue urgently the signing of the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the MRTB in
rela on to collec on of NSP annual dues and other related ma ers.
4.
That the Na onal Postgraduate Physiotherapy College of Nigeria(NPPCN) should review the criteria for eligibility
and selec on of Fellows of the College by elec on. The reviewed criteria should take into cognizance clinical
prowess and orienta on. OGM endorsed the list of the founda on fellows as published by the College. OGM
further requested that the College should fast track the enactment of the enabling law for the College at the
na onal assembly and immediate takeover of the College by the Federal Ministry of Health as its parastatal.
5.
That NSP, NPPCN and MRTB stake holders' forum be held to review the recent MRTB circular on appointment of
Physiotherapy consultants and cohesion in the workings of the various bodies.
6.
That in view of the recent gains in advancing Physiotherapy educa on and the ploy by a professional group to
promote the training of Physiotherapists at technical level OGM opposed the training of Physiotherapy assistants
and technicians. The OGM directed NEC to communicate same to the MRTB.
7.
That in view of the of the enhanced administra ve skills, hands-on skills, increased clinical reasoning and decision
making ability inherent in the holders of doctors of Physiotherapy and the global trends in interna onal best
prac ces OGM reaffirmed NSP posi on to make DPT as the Benchmark Minimum Academic Curriculum for training
of Physiotherapists in Nigeria. The decision of the OGM was based on the need to provide first class and world
standard trained professionals to the good people of Nigeria.
8.
That all NSP state chapters should support the host state chapter, Delta state NSP for 2014 NSP Conference tagged
Asaba 2014 as provided for in the NSP Bye Laws.
9.
That NSP should con nue to collaborate with other health professional bodies including interna onal
Physiotherapy organiza ons to enhance professional growth and development and op mum Physiotherapy care
to the na on.
10.
That NSP condemn the recent strike ac on embarked by the Nigerian Medical Associa on describing it as
inhuman, un mely and illegi mate.
Olaniyi Oladire(PT).
NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETYARY, NSP.
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
PAGE 41
NPPCN releases fellowship
by election list
Dear Colleagues,
The Governing Council at its meeting of April 2014 approved the list of successful applicants for Fellowship by
Election.
The following applicants have been found suitable to be conferred with the Fellowship of the NPPCN. There are
two others whose applications are yet to be concluded. They are being contacted for some clarifications.
S. NO.
NO.
NAME
CARDIOPULMONARY PHYSIOTHERAPY
1
1
JAIYESIMI, Adeoluwa Olugbenga
2
2
AJIBOYE, Olufunke Adewumi
COMMUNITY PHYSIOTHERAPY
3
1
IYOR, Fidelis Terhemen
4
2
FANIRAN, Felix Olukayode
Final conferment is however conditional on the
following:
1.
Payment of any outstanding obligation to the
Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) and the Medical
Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board (MRTB)
before the end of June 2014.
2.
Participation in the 3 Training-the-Trainers
Workshops
3.
Payment of appropriate fees to the NPPCN
ADDENDUM:
There is an online course from the University of
Michigan that is relevant to our pursuit. Prospective
Fellows may want to participate in this free online
course. The only payment is for the Certificate (if
desirable) after the completion of the course and
examination. The course is accessible through
www.coursera.org
How to Access:
Go to www.coursera.org or www.coursera.org/courses
Sort by - Starting soon, English and Health & Society
GERIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
5
1
OYEYEMI, Adetoyeje Yoonus
NEUROPHYSIOTHERAPY AND MENTAL HEALTH
6
1
TAIWO, Oladapo Olufunmilola
7
2
OLAWALE, Olajide Ayinla
8
3
OYEWUMI, Taiwo Joseph
9
4
HAMZAT, Talhatu Kolapo
10
5
OLAOGUN, Matthew Olatokunbo
ORTHOPAEDIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
11
1
ODOLE, Adesola Christianah
12
2
FOLUWASADE, Adejumoke Elizabeth
13
3
ONUWE, Henry Adeiza Kehinde
14
4
RAJI, Ronke Moriye
15
5
OJOAWO, Adesola Ojo
16
6
OYEKOYA, Olusimbo Olawunmi
17
7
ADEGOKE, Babatunde Adeleke
18
8
EGWU, Michael Ogbonnia
19
9
AKINBO, Sunday
20
10
ONIGBINDE, Teslim
21
11
MOGBO, Paschal O
22
12
AYANNIYI, Olusola
PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
23
1
OLASEINDE, Raymond Oluseyi
WOMEN'S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY
24
1
TELLA,Bosede Abidemi
25
2
OYELESE, Olubukola Babatunde
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
It is the 3rd course of 8 that are listed
Below is a highlight of what the course entails:
Instructional Methods in Health Professions
Education
This course provides those involved in educating
members of the health professions an asynchronous,
interdisciplinary, and interactive way to obtain, expand,
and improve their teaching skills. These skills can then
be applied within their own professional context, with a
variety of learners, extending across many stages.
About the Course
After completing this course, learners will:
1. Understand educational theory as it relates to health
professions education
2. Match instructional methods with desired
educational outcomes
3. Learn a variety of applied teaching techniques
4. Share successful teaching strategies
Course Format
·
Module 1 Adult Learning Theory
·
Learning styles and motivation
·
Metacognition
·
Social learning
·
Professional identity formation
·
Module 2 Intended Learning Outcomes
·
Bloom's taxonomy
·
M i l l e r's p y ra m i d a n d c l i n i c a l
competence
·
Dreyfus model of skill acquisition
·
Module 3 Instructional design and individual
Nigeria Society Physiotherapy
assessment
·
Multiple-choice question writing
·
Skill assessment
·
Oral presentations
·
Rubrics and standardization
·
Module 4 Instructional techniques:
Knowledge Transfer
·
Active learning in large lecture
formats
·
Supportive questioning
·
“Big Ticket” technique
·
Module 5 Instructional techniques: Skill
Development
·
Simulation
·
Teaching with data
·
Clinical reasoning
·
Module 6 Instructional techniques: Attitudes
·
Reflection
·
Feedback
·
Incorporating art, music, and theatre
·
Module 7 Instructional techniques: Teaching
with technology
·
Large lecture formats
·
Synchronous vs. asynchronous
formats
·
High fidelity clinical simulations
·
Module 8 Application of instructional
methods (capstone)
·
Within learners' specific context
·
Sharing best practices with others
Course at a Glance
8 weeks
6-8 hours of work / week
English
English subtitles
Instructor:
Caren Stalburg
U n i v e r s i t y
o f
M i c h i g a n
For further information kindly contact the
Registrar of the College, Rev'd Adeoluwa
Jaiyesinmi [email protected]
BE A PROUD PROFESSIONAL
AND PAY YOUR DUES
NigeriaSocietyofPhysiotherapy
UnitedBankofAfrica
A/cNo.1004278154
www.nigeriaphysio.org
Annual due N12,000 only
PAGE 42
Events Calendar
November 2014
2-8
Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy
54th Annual Scientific Conference and
General Meeting
Asaba, Nigeria
Web:www.nigeriaphysio.org/conferences/index.php/conf/asaba2014
21-22
Nepal Physiotherapy Association (NEPTA)
7th International Conference
Kathmandu, Nepal
Web: http://nepalphysio.org.np/neptacon2014/
March 2015
20-22
Finnish Sports Physiotherapy Association
Congress : Prevention- Mission Possible
Helsinki- Finland
http://fspa-congress.com/
April 2015
11-13
Isokinetic Medical Group
Football Medicine Strategies for Player Care
London, England
www.footballmedicinestrategies.com
May 2015
1-4
World Confederation for Physical Therapy
Congress 2015
Singapore
Web: www.wcpt.org/congress
October 2015
16-17
Physiotherapy UK 2015
Conference & Trade Exhibition
Liverpool, UK
Web: www.physiotherapyuk.org.uk
PAGE 43