The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has congratulated Nigerian-born physiotherapist and academic, Professor Ushotanefe Useh, on his emergence as the recipient of the World Physiotherapy Africa Region Award, one of the highest honours in physiotherapy practice and leadership on the continent.
Professor Useh, who is based in South Africa, received the award during the World Physiotherapy Africa Region Congress, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from June 5 to 6, 2026, becoming the second recipient of the prestigious continental recognition.
Congratulating the award recipient, the Society described the honour as a recognition of his outstanding contributions to physiotherapy education, research and professional leadership in Africa.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Oyinlola Felix Odusanya, the Society said Professor Useh has remained an exemplary ambassador of the Nigerian physiotherapy profession on the global stage.
“Professor Useh is one of our own and a source of immense pride to the physiotherapy profession in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The NSP noted that before relocating to South Africa, Professor Useh served as the Public Relations Officer of the Society, adding that he has continued to contribute significantly to the advancement of physiotherapy practice and scholarship across Africa.
The Society also pointed out that the first recipient of the World Physiotherapy Africa Region Award was another Nigerian, Pa Dr. Thompson Abayomi Oshin, widely regarded as the first trained African physiotherapist and the first physiotherapist in Nigeria.
According to the NSP, Dr. Oshin, a pioneer of the profession on the continent, will celebrate his 100th birthday on July 30, 2026.
The Society said the recognition of two Nigerians as recipients of the award reflects the country’s longstanding role in the development of physiotherapy in Africa.
Professor Useh’s award was presented at a gathering of physiotherapy professionals, researchers and policymakers from across the continent during the Kigali congress.
The World Physiotherapy Africa Region Award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the growth and advancement of physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in Africa.
