Prof. Rufai Ahmed Reports Physiotherapist Shortage in Nigeria

Prof. Rufai Ahmed, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria, expressed concerns regarding the shortage of practising physiotherapists in Nigeria. He revealed that fewer than 4,000 of the approximately 9,870 registered professionals are currently active in the country.

This disparity is attributed to the migration of health professionals, deaths, and retirements. Ahmed made these statements during the second induction ceremony of Doctor of Physiotherapy graduates at Chrisland University in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where 28 graduates were inducted.

He urged the government to enhance remuneration, improve career progression frameworks, and provide more specialized training opportunities to retain health professionals in Nigeria. Ahmed clarified that the 4,300 licences registered by the board in 2025 do not reflect the number of actively practising physiotherapists, as some professionals abroad continue to renew their licences.

He warned that inadequate rehabilitation services could lead to severe economic, social, and psychological consequences.