The Vice-Chancellor of the first specialized medical and health sciences university in Nigeria, the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo City, Ondo State, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, FNAMed, FAS on 15th November 2023, tasked 75 Physiotherapy Inductees to be good ambassadors of the University.
Prof. Fatusi who was represented by the Deputy Registrar, Human Resources, UNIMED, Ondo, Mrs. Bola Arowosegbe at the 3rd induction ceremony of the Physiotherapy department held at the Odosida campus, said the university has done well to have provided them with quality education and uninterrupted academic calendar.
‘‘The University has given you all you need to compete with your contemporaries, we have molded you to be the best physiotherapist, you are the best, make use of every good opportunity that comes your way wisely, represent your school well, do good for no reason and whatever you do, do it well,’’ Fatusi said.
Prof. Fatusi stressed that the exodus of medical practitioners in Nigeria is alarming and that its effects on the healthcare system are inimical. ‘‘We cannot fold our arms and do nothing, that is why we established the first Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation in Nigeria to produce more medical practitioners for export and our use. As of today, UNIMED has the largest collection of health professional courses.’’
The Dean, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation, Professor Ayodele Teslim Onigbinde represented by the Head of Speech Language Therapy Department, Prof. Dele Owolawi, said the institution does not award certificates based on academic performance only, but also on character and learning. ‘‘For you to have gone this far, you have been found worthy of character and learning, therefore, do not forget the good lessons you’ve learnt while in school.’’
The Guest Speaker, Professor Christianah Odole, speaking on the theme, ‘’Advancing Clinical Practice: The Need for Continuing Professional Development,’’ admonished the inductees to embrace development and advancement in the healthcare sector.
‘‘Mrs. ACO started as a Clinical Physiotherapist, she did not relent but went further for Masters and later Ph.D. degrees. ACO rose through the ranks to the post of a Professor of Orthopaedic Physiotherapy and Health Outcome Assessment. She has done a lot of research and has impacted lives. ACO saw the vision, pursued it and she got it, that is why I Mrs. Adesola Christianah Odole (ACO) can stand in front of you to tell my story and to encourage you,’’ Odole said.
The Registrar, Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria, Prof. Ahmad Rufai, represented by Dr. Nwabueze Dorathy, inducted 75 students presented by UNIMED into the Physiotherapy profession.
One of the inductees, Mr. Samuel Adunola was presented with an award for best clinical practice and best graduating student, while Miss Oluwanifemi Fadiora got an award for best in dissertation for the 2023 set.
