A Nigerian physiotherapist and academic, Professor Efe Useh, has been honoured with the prestigious World Physiotherapy Africa Region Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of physiotherapy across Africa.
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.
In a statement, the President of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), Dr. Oyinlola Felix Odusanya, described the award as a fitting recognition of Professor Useh’s commitment to advancing physiotherapy education, research, leadership and professional practice on the continent and beyond.
Dr. Odusanya said the award recipient has continued to distinguish himself through academic excellence and dedicated service to the profession, bringing honour to Nigeria and the physiotherapy community.
The Society noted that Professor Useh previously served as the Public Relations Officer of the NSP before relocating to South Africa, where he has remained actively involved in promoting professional development and capacity building within the field.
According to the NSP, Professor Useh’s achievement further reinforces Nigeria’s significant contributions to the growth of physiotherapy in Africa.
The Society also recalled 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 Nigeria’s pioneer physiotherapist.
Pa Dr. Oshin, a respected trailblazer in the profession, is expected to celebrate his 100th birthday on July 30, 2026.
The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy described the recognition of two Nigerians among recipients of the prestigious continental award as a reflection of the country’s enduring impact on the advancement of physiotherapy practice and leadership across Africa.