Professor of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adesola Ojoawo, has charged newly inducted physiotherapists to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct as they begin their careers.
Ojoawo gave the charge on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the fourth induction ceremony of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy Class of 2026 at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
Speaking on the theme, “Professionalism and Ethical Conduct in Physiotherapy,” the professor said professional competence, good conduct and strong ethical values were essential to achieving success in life and building a sustainable career.
He identified competence, behaviour, aptitude and attitude, ethical behaviour and standards of practice, as well as respect and civility as key elements of professionalism.
According to him, competence requires practitioners to commit themselves to continuous learning and self-development, while their behaviour could either open doors of opportunity or close them.
Ojoawo noted that certificates, training and intelligence were important, but said attitude would ultimately determine whether an individual could sustain a career.
He advised the inductees to remain humble, seek mentors and learn from experienced professionals, urging them to “ride on the shoulders of giants” as they develop their careers.
The don also stressed the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to professional standards, noting that every action had consequences.
He urged the new physiotherapists to cultivate reliability, punctuality, respect and civility in their dealings with patients, colleagues and other professionals.
In his welcome address, the Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, Prof. Rufus Adedoyin, described the ceremony as a special occasion for the department as it welcomed another set of physiotherapists into the profession.
Adedoyin said the department had the facilities required for the training of physiotherapists, urging the inductees to become worthy ambassadors of the institution.
He described the induction as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives and charged them to use their professional knowledge to address societal challenges.
“You must be able to solve problems and contribute meaningfully to humanity,” he said.
The Acting Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Dr. Omotoso, expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of the students’ training and urged them not to abandon the professional ethics they had been taught.
He charged the inductees to carry the values and principles acquired during their training into their working lives, stressing that professional integrity should remain central to their practice.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, Prof. Chiagoziem Otuechere congratulated the inductees and urged them to strive for excellence while upholding the standards of the physiotherapy profession.
Otuechere said the achievement of the inductees was the result of sacrifice, commitment and determination, while appreciating their confidence and aspiration to build careers in physiotherapy.
“Behind every successful inductee is a story of sacrifice. I appreciate your confidence, commitment and aspiration to this profession. I pray you reap the fruit of your labour,” he said.
He also commended the academic staff of the Department of Physiotherapy for their contributions to the training and development of the students.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the best graduating student, UHNMWagho Eghosa E., expressed gratitude to her lecturers, parents, colleagues and everyone who supported the students throughout their academic journey.
Eghosa described the induction as both a celebration of their achievement and a reminder of the responsibilities that came with becoming healthcare professionals.
She said the graduates were prepared to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to improve the lives of patients and contribute meaningfully to the healthcare system.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to begin this new chapter as professionals. The journey was not without challenges, but the support of our lecturers, families and colleagues helped us to overcome them. We will carry the values we have learnt with us and strive to make a positive difference through our profession,” she said.
The Registrar of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria, Prof. Ahmad Rufai, also addressed the gathering.
A total of 89 graduates were inducted into the physiotherapy profession at the ceremony.
