Posted on: Fri 04-07-2025

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has issued a powerful communiqué following its 2025 Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja. The hybrid meeting, which brought together physiotherapists from across Nigeria and the diaspora, tackled a series of contentious issues threatening the future of the profession.

Key among the resolutions was the Society’s firm rejection of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTBN)’s attempt to reintroduce diploma-level training and create a new cadre of physiotherapy technicians. NSP members argued that such moves undermine the profession’s evolution into a graduate-entry field, especially after the National Universities Commission approved the Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) as the minimum standard in 2018.

The NSP also condemned MRTBN’s recent efforts to conduct trainings and clinical pathway programs, asserting that the Board cannot act as both regulator and trainer. The Society called for the immediate release of documents authorizing the controversial technician training, demanding transparency from the Federal Ministry of Health.

In a bid to strengthen the profession, the NSP resolved to:

• Establish at least one Postgraduate Physiotherapy College training center in each geopolitical zone
• Push for a government-recognized and funded postgraduate residency program
• Develop a national physiotherapy policy for primary healthcare
• Finalize reunification efforts with the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria (ACAPN)

The meeting also celebrated the induction of two new members and reaffirmed NSP’s commitment to global engagement, with upcoming participation in conferences in Kansas and Mexico.

As the profession faces internal and external pressures, the NSP’s stance signals a turning point in the battle for autonomy, academic integrity, and global relevance.

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