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 recently.
Tinubu gave the commendation during the inauguration of the building within the University College Hospital (UCH) complex, describing it as a significant milestone towards advancing education and health in Nigeria.
Represented by the Minister of State for Health and 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.
“The Oshin family stands as an 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 have honoured 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 university because he is the first African physiotherapist and he also pioneered physiotherapy training in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the foundation will also endow a prize in the Faculty of Nursing of the College in memory of their mother, Mrs Adepeju Olufunmilayo Oshin, who retired as a Senior Matron at the UCH.
According to him, the idea of building an edifice in Dr Oshin’s honour was initiated by the outgoing provost of the College, Professor 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 in Africa.
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