Redeemer’s University, in collaboration with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTB), an apex body for medical rehabilitation, recently enhanced national manpower development by formally inducting twenty-eight (28) pioneer graduates from the institution’s Department of Physiotherapy into the physiotherapy profession.
Speaking at the maiden induction ceremony of the Redeemer’s University, Department of Physiotherapy, Professor Ahmed Rufai, who is the Registrar of the Medical Rehabilitation Board of Nigeria (MRTB, reminded the inductees of the ethical considerations in their profession while stressing the importance of obtaining patient consent before any physical interaction while also explaining the symbolism of the path that he administered on them.
The ceremony, which took place at the Redeemer’s University Auditorium, featured a keynote address by Dr. (Mrs) Adesola Odole, a Professor in the Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. She spoke on “21st-Century Physiotherapy Practice: Utilizing the Current Advancement in Technology for the Best Clinical Practice Amidst Brain Drain.” Addressing the physiotherapy inductees, Dr. Odole emphasized the importance of empathy in patient care. She urged them “to always use their digit (their fingers) and digital tools to help their patients by making treatment accessible to all”. She further encouraged the inductees to leverage the use of digital tools and to take treatments directly to their clients, “digital rehabilitation is the concept of connecting health through the digit”.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ahmed Yerima, represented by Prof. Adebola Adebileje, urged the inductees to embrace innovation and technology while emphasizing the enduring power of empathy in their interactions with patients. She further acknowledged the effects of brain drain on medical personnel but urged the inductees to be the touch-bearers of change, “embrace technological advancement; they are your ally; however, do not only rely on technology but infuse compassion in your service to humanity”, she said.
The ceremony featured the recognition of outstanding inductees during the induction examination. Adebiyi Shallom came third, while Chizoba Stephanie and Ajayi Blessing were tied in second place. Kadera Bisola claimed the coveted first position for the induction examination. Adeoti Jadesola emerged as the overall best student for the physiotherapy class of 2023.
The event’s high point was the induction oath administered by Prof. Rufai, signifying the commitment of the new physiotherapists to uphold the highest standards of character and learning in their practice.
