Sodiq Ojuroungbe The Thompson Abayomi Oshin Health and Education Foundation has donated a state-of-the-art edifice to the University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Oyo State as a way to immortalise the pioneering contributions of their father, Dr. Thompson Oshin, to the growth and development of physiotherapy in Nigeria and Africa. The chairman of the foundation, Dr.
Segun Oshin, said they embarked on the project to honour their father in response to a request from the College of Medicine, UI, because he was the first African physiotherapist and he also started physiotherapy training in Nigeria. He said the foundation would also endow a prize in the Faculty of Nursing of the College in memory of their mother, Mrs. Adepeju Oshin, who retired as a Senior Matron from UCH.
The edifice was inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Dr. Abayomi Oshin’s 98th birthday. The President, represented by Dr.
Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, described the building as a significant milestone in advancing education and health in Nigeria. “Today, we celebrate a beacon of hope and generosity embodied by the Thompson Abayomi Oshin Health and Education Foundation. “This commitment to improving education and healthcare in Nigeria is a testament to the enduring spirit of philanthropy that defines the nation,” he said.
According to the president, the donation of the building is not merely a gift to UI but a symbol of hope and progress which should remind others that even in challenging times, some individuals and families can step forward to make a difference. “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. Today, we honour not just a new building but also 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,” Tinubu noted.
Oshin’s career is characterised by numerous firsts, honours and distinctions, which include being the first African Physiotherapist to qualify in London in January 1954, the first African physiotherapist to be in charge of the Physiotherapy Department (evening clinic) at St. Nicholas Hospital, Plumstead, London in 1954, first African physiotherapist to broadcast on the British Broadcasting Corporation London on the value of physiotherapy to West Africans in 1954 and first African Exchange Physiotherapist to the USA from 1958 to 1959 as well as the first Head and Consultant Physiotherapist, University College Hospital, Ibadan in 1973, among others. The idea of building an edifice in Oshin’s honour was initiated by the outgoing Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, who encouraged his children to endow an edifice in his honour.
The foundation laying ceremony was performed by the Late Governor of Ondo State on July 30, 2022, and was officially commissioned on July 30, 2024, exactly two years later. Copyright PUNCH All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected] Tags Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria College of Medicine University of Ibadan Foundation donates to UCH UCH.
