President Bola Tinubu has commended the family of Pa Thompson Abayomi Oshin, the first African physiotherapist, for donating a state-of-the-art building to the Physiotherapy Department of College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI).
The family made the donation under the auspices of Thompson Abayomi Oshin Health and Education Foundation as a way to contribute to medical education in Nigeria and also immortalise the nonagenarian physiotherapist as he clocked 98 years old recently.
Tinubu gave the commendation during the inauguration of the building within the University College Hospital complex, describing it as a significant milestone towards advancing education and health in Nigeria.
Represented by the Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Tinubu pointed out that the donation was a clear demonstration of Pa Oshin’s family generosity and the enduring spirit of philanthropy that defines a nation.
According to him, the building is not merely a gift to UI but a symbol of hope and progress which should remind other Nigerians that even in challenging times, there are individuals and families who can step forward to make a difference.
“So, the Oshin family stands as a shining example of how private citizens can contribute to the public good, ensuring that future generations benefit from an enhanced educational system and facilities.
“That is why I will say that today, we honour not just a new building but the legacy of Dr. Thompson Abayomi Oshin.
“His life is a testament to dedication, excellence and service.
“From being the first African physiotherapist in 1954 to his numerous pioneering roles in physiotherapy across the globe.”
Giving insight into the donation, chairman of Thompson Abayomi Oshin Health and Education Foundation, Dr. Segun Oshin, said, in a statement, that they embarked on the project to honour their father (Pa Thompson Oshin) in response to a request from the College of Medicine of the premier university because he is the first African physiotherapist and he also pioneered physiotherapy training in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the foundation would also endow a prize in the Faculty of Nursing of the college in memory of their mother, Mrs. Adepeju Olufunmilayo Oshin, who equally retired as a Senior Matron from UCH.
According to him, the idea of building an edifice in Dr Oshin’s honour was initiated by the outgoing Provost of the college, Prof Olayinka Omigbodun, who encouraged Pa Oshin’s children to immortalise their father in the college.
He noted that it was the late governor of Ondo State Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, that performed the foundation laying ceremony of the building on July 30, 2022, while it was officially inaugurated exactly two years after by President Tinubu.
He added that the foundation believes that the building would bring significant development to the physiotherapy department and medical education not only in Nigeria but Africa as a whole.
Pa Oshin’s career is characterised by numerous firsts, honours and distinctions.
He was the first African to qualify as a physiotherapist in 1954, the first to be in charge of the Physiotherapy Department (evening clinic) at St. Nicholas Hospital in London the same year, first African physiotherapist to broadcast on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) London on the value of physiotherapy to West Africans also in 1954 and first African Exchange Physiotherapist to the USA from 1958 to 1959 as well as the first Head and Consultant Physiotherapist at UCH Ibadan in 1973, amongst others.
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