The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI) held a grand induction ceremony for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy, graduating class of 2025, formally ushering them into the physiotherapy profession. The event was marked by multiple awards and the celebration of well-deserving inductees, including five First-Class graduands.
The event took place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture theatre within the COMUI/University College Hospital (UCH) premises in Ibadan. It was held under the distinguished chairmanship of Professor K.O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. The occasion was well attended by principal officers from the University of Ibadan (UI), COMUI, and UCH. Notable dignitaries included: Professor T.O. Ogundiran, FAS, Provost, COMUI; Professor J.A. Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director, UCH; Mr. A.E. Odedele, Deputy Registrar/College Secretary; Mr. S.O. Ayansina, Financial Controller; Dr. Grace Ajuwon, Medical Libarian; Emeritus Professor S.I. Omokhodion, President, Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide (ICOMAA WW), represented by Professor Adanze Asinobi; Professor T.A. Lawal, Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences; along with other faculties deans; Professor Olusola Odole, Head, Department of Physiotherapy; and Professor A.F. Adeniyi, Incumbent Director, General Studies, University of Ibadan. Also in attendance were Directors of Institutes, Heads of Departments/units, teaching and non-teaching staff, members of the press, parents, family members, and well-wishers.
Mr. A.E. Odedele officially welcomed and recognized all dignitaries. He congratulated the inductees on the successful completion of their academic journey and wished them well in their future careers as healthcare providers. He also heartily felicitated the parents and prayed for God’s continued guidance on the graduands.
In his address, Professor T.O. Ogundiran, Provost of COMUI, congratulated the Class of 2025- also known as HELIANTHUS- on their remarkable academic milestone. He applauded their perseverance through sleepless nights, resilience, intense clinicals, and the discipline that defines the College of Medicine. He also expressed his appreciation to parents and guardians for their unwavering love and support, and to the lecturers, tutors, and non-teaching staff for shaping the graduands both in character and learning. However, he urged the inductees to embrace the role of advocates for the vulnerable in society.
Professor Olusola Odole, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, rejoiced with the inductees on their award-winning academic achievements. She encouraged them to uphold the values instilled in them and thanked the COMUI/UCH management teams for providing an enabling environment for the students’ success.
Professor T.A. Lawal, Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, formally presented the twenty-nine (29) physiotherapy graduates to Professor Ahmad Rufai, Registrar of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTB), represented by Dr. Lydia Olufunke Okunade. She administered the oath-taking ceremony and presented provisional licenses, thereby admitting the inductees into the physiotherapy profession.
As Chairman of the event, Professor K.O. Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of UI, warmly congratulated the inductees on their achievements. He described the Department of Physiotherapy as a foundational pillar and beacon of excellence within the COMUI and nationally. “As one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected programmes, it continues to set the standard for physiotherapy education, research, and clinical practice, producing graduates who lead the profession across the country. Therefore, go forth with confidence, competence, and compassion. Heal, restore, empower, and lead. Be exemplary physiotherapists. Be worthy ambassadors of the University of Ibadan,” he said.
While speaking at the event, Professor J.A. Otegbayo, CMD of UCH, congratulated the celebrants and affirmed the synergy between UCH and COMUI in producing graduates worthy in character and learning. He pledged to absorb 50% of the inductees for internship placement at UCH.
During the event, Professor T.O. Ogundiran, on behalf of the COMUI management and Dr. Bosede E. Adebayo, representing the Board of Global Sponsor A Student Programme (GSASP), highlighted ongoing student support initiatives. Scholarships were awarded to several indigent students through donations from Dr. Olabisi Akinwale, The Goodson Foundation, Physiotherapy Class of 1992, White Stone Development Foundation and Physiotherapy Class of 2024. They urged the graduands, parents, and friends of COMUI to join in giving back to support future students.
The Provost’s Award for Excellent Participation in Community Life was presented to GOODLUCK, Samuel Omotayo (Male Category) and AGBONTALE, Miracle Kenile (Female Category). The five First-Class graduates who received multiple awards for academic excellence were: OLAJIDE, Ayomide Temiloluwa (Valedictorian), AROWOSAFE, Victor Temiloluwa, BABALOLA, Stephen Enioluwa, OLOJEDE, Ayooluwa Emmanuel, and OYEKAN, Oluwatobi Oyetola.
In his remarks, Emeritus Professor S.I. Omokhodion encouraged the inductees to carry forth the torch of excellence that has illuminated their journey so far. “Bring innovation and creativity to your profession. Let integrity, empathy, and lifelong learning be your life compass, and remember to be benevolent to your alma mater,” he said.
Other highlights of the ceremony included: Words of advice from professional elders delivered by Dr. Oladapo O. Taiwo and Dr. K. A. Moranti, an address by the valedictorian, and the playback of a commemorative graduation video produced by the Biomedical Communication Centre (BCC).
The ceremony was concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Nse Odunaiya, Chairperson of the College Ceremonials’ Committee. It was anchored by Dr. O. Dada and Dr. Bosede E. Adebayo, while the Academic Procession was led by Mrs. Funmilola Enobabor, Principal Assistant Registrar, Provost’s office.
Issued by: Biomedical Communication Centre (BCC).
College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI)
