In 1969, Dr. Abayomi Oshin stood out as the only black man in his graduating class at the University of Manitoba, Canada. In retrospect, his achievement was both a personal victory and a historic moment for physiotherapy in Nigeria and Africa. A few weeks ago, the University of Manitoba invited Dr. Oshin to reflect and write on this significant milestone and his journey in physiotherapy fifty-five years later. It is a journey that has shaped the profession in Nigeria and impacted the academic and medical community. This was one of many captivating stories shared by Dr. Oshin when he received the leadership of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, on a courtesy visit at his Bodija residence.
The Provost of the College, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran FAS, led the delegation, joined by Mr. Emmanuel Odedele, the Secretary to the College, Professor Taiwo Lawal, Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Professor Adesola Odole, Head of the Physiotherapy Department, Dr. Nse Odunaiya, a Lecturer at the Department of Physiotherapy, and other distinguished members of the College. Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, the immediate past Provost, and Professor Fatai A. Adeniyi, the immediate past Deputy Provost, were also part of the team, symbolising the continuity of leadership and respect for legacies in the College of Medicine.
Upon arrival, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS formally introduced the team to Dr. Oshin, who was visibly moved by the visit. His face lit up with joy, and he expressed deep gratitude for the College’s recognition and celebration of his contributions to the field of physiotherapy in Nigeria during the commissioning of the physiotherapy building in his name on his 98th birthday celebration. Dr. Oshin, a humble and deeply religious man, thanked God for the good health that had allowed him to witness this moment and for the honour bestowed upon him by the College team.
Pa Oshin welcoming the Provost, Prof. Ogundiran and the team to his
During the visit, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun mentioned the special purpose of the visit was to present Dr. Oshin with a photobook that chronicles the commissioning of the Physiotherapy Building at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, in his honour. The building stands as a symbolism of Dr. Oshin’s lifelong dedication to physiotherapy and his groundbreaking work in establishing Nigeria’s first Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy in 1966. Professor Omigbodun noted that Dr. Oshin is not only a lover of history but also someone who has made history in his own right. She believed the photobook captured important moments of the building commissioning and would serve as a cherished memento for Dr. Oshin and his family.
Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS handing over the photobook to Prof. Ogundiran
The formal presentation of the photobook was made by the Provost, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran. In his remarks, Professor Ogundiran, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor K.O Adebowale FAS mni and the College Management Team, acknowledged the immeasurable contributions of Dr. Oshin to both the University College Hospital and the College of Medicine. He spoke highly of Dr. Oshin’s pioneering efforts in physiotherapy and also expressed gratitude to the Oshin family for their support in making the Physiotherapy Building a reality.
The Provost giving his speech before the formal presentation of the photobook to Pa Oshin
The Provost hands over the photobook to Pa Oshin
Dr. Oshin’s legacy is one of perseverance and pioneering achievement. Born on July 30, 1926, in Mobalufon, Ijebu-Ode, he began his career at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, on January 10, 1955. At that time, he was the only Chartered Nigerian Physiotherapist. From those early days, his career took him abroad, including to the United States as an exchange physiotherapist from 1958 to 1959, and to King’s College Hospital, London, where he earned a Diploma in Teacher of Physiotherapy in 1963. His return to Nigeria in 1966 marked the beginning of the country’s first B.Sc. (Physiotherapy) programme at the University of Ibadan.
In 1969, Dr. Oshin added to his growing list of academic achievements when he graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Manitoba. Thirteen years later, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Ibadan. He later became the first Head and Consultant Physiotherapist at the University College Hospital and also the University of Ibadan, a role he held with distinction. His contributions to the field extended far beyond Nigeria, as his work and ideas helped shape physiotherapy on a global scale.
As the College of Medicine team concluded their visit, Dr. Oshin thanked them once again, expressing his deep appreciation for the honour and the recognition of his life’s work.
The visiting team poses with Pa Oshin during the ceremonial handing over of the photobook.
From L-R: Dr. Nse Odunaiya, Lecturer at Physiotherapy; Professor A.F Adeniyi, Immediate Past Deputy Provost and Lecturer at Physiotherapy; Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, Immediate Past Provost; Dr. Abayomi Oshin; Professor Temidayo Ogundiran FAS, Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan; Professor Adesola Odole; Head of Department, Department of Physiotherapy; Mr Emmanuel Odedele; Secretary to the College; Professor Taiwo Lawal, Dean of Faculty of Clinical Sciences; and Mrs Funmilola O. Enobabor; Principal Registrar in the Office of the Provost.
Pa Oshin engrossed and excited about flipping through the pictures from the commissioning event as both the Provost, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran FAS and Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS look on
There was prayer time during the visit as Pa Oshin prayed for the visiting team as well as Professor Omigbodun praying for Pa Oshin at his request. Professor Omigbodun also led the team to sing one of Pa Oshin's favourite hymn,
“Now Thank We All Our God!"
The team shared a moment of fellowship with Pa Oshin and joined hands to say the Grace…