Thomas Adewumi University has achieved another historic milestone today, December 4, 2025, as the Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences hosted the 1st Professional Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony for its pioneer Physiotherapy graduates, in collaboration with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTB). The event marked a significant step in the university’s mission to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce through world-class rehabilitation professionals.
The ceremony, held at the University Auditorium (East Campus), gathered eminent personalities, distinguished physiotherapy elders, faculty members, parents, well-wishers, and representatives of the MRTB to celebrate the university’s first set of professionally inducted physiotherapists.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, Prof. Emenike Irokanulo, described the day as “a great achievement for Thomas Adewumi University” as it proudly graduates its maiden set of Physiotherapists. He commended the inductees for their perseverance, discipline, and unwavering determination throughout their academic journey. “By God’s grace, you are today stepping into a noble profession, equipped and empowered to make a difference… Today reflects your strength and perseverance, yet the road before you holds many ‘beautiful challenges.’ With the same commitment you have shown over the past five years, I am confident you will overcome and excel,” he said.
Prof. Irokanulo also urged the graduates to embrace the evolving era of healthcare, emphasizing the role of Artificial Intelligence in advancing diagnostics, treatment, and patient care. He expressed deep appreciation to the Founder and Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, and the Co-Founder, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Adewumi, for their unwavering support and visionary leadership. He further acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo, whose dedication to academic excellence has continually propelled the university forward.
The Dean extended gratitude to the Acting Head of Department, Dr. S. G. Akinwale, and the dedicated faculty whose commitment ensured that the graduates received the best training possible. He also celebrated the parents and guardians for their sacrifices, guidance, and encouragement over the years.
Delivering her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca Oladipo, described the ceremony as “an extraordinary milestone” for the university. She highlighted TAU’s impressive growth trajectory, from its origins in the 1990s to its establishment in 2021 as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising STEM-i institutions. The university ranks 5th among private universities and 50th nationally, a testament to its intentional investment in innovation and academic distinction.
Prof. Oladipo emphasized that the Department of Physiotherapy has become a flagship of rehabilitation education in Nigeria, backed by: Full NUC accreditation; MRTB programme approval; A newly approved Teaching Hospital at Omu-Aran; A College of Medicine, School of Postgraduate Studies, and 27 postgraduate programmes; A robust clinical and research ecosystem for rehabilitation sciences. She noted that TAU’s global partnerships provide TAU students with unparalleled international learning opportunities. “Our maiden physiotherapy graduates are not ordinary degree holders; they are comprehensively equipped global professionals with advantages unmatched nationwide,” she said. She further charged the graduates to uphold professionalism, empathy, and clinical excellence as they step into a field where movement restores dignity and rehabilitation gives hope.
The Guest Lecturer, Dr. Taiwo Joseph Oyewumi, Past President of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, delivered an insightful lecture titled “The Nigerian Healthcare Ecosystem: The Place of the Physiotherapist.” His presentation covered: The structure of healthcare delivery in Nigeria; Healthcare regulation and professional governance; Workforce capacity, financing, disease burden, and system challenges; The historical evolution and scope of Physiotherapy practice; The role of physiotherapists across primary, secondary, and tertiary care; Physiotherapy’s impact in non-communicable diseases, trauma, neurological care, pediatrics, sports medicine, and geriatric health; Emerging opportunities in technology, digital health, evidence-based practice, policy reforms, and insurance inclusion.
He concluded by charging the graduates, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure that physiotherapy becomes fully empowered as a profession capable of transforming Nigeria’s health outcomes.
The major highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the professional oath by the Registrar/CEO of the MRTB, Professor Rufai Yusuf Ahmad, who appreciated the university for maintaining global standards in rehabilitation training. He advised the graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity, and ethical practice as they begin their careers. The inductees proudly took the oath and formally received recognition as certified Physiotherapists.
This was followed by the presentation of awards to outstanding students and recognitions to key contributors to the success of the programme.
In his closing remarks, the Founder and Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, congratulated the inductees and appreciated all stakeholders who contributed to their success. He made special recognition of Dr. Godwin Adunmo and the Vice-Chancellor for their support to the faculty.
He encouraged the graduates to practice within the law, focus on their areas of passion, and pursue excellence in all their professional endeavors.
The ceremony was attended by physiotherapy elders, officials of the MRTB, faculty members, proud parents, and students who gathered to witness this significant milestone.
With this induction, Thomas Adewumi University has once again reaffirmed its commitment to producing globally competitive healthcare professionals capable of transforming Nigeria’s rehabilitation landscape.
