In Nigeria, only a few universities are known to offer physiotherapy courses. 13 universities in Nigeria currently admit physiotherapy as an entry-level course, out of which only 4 universities offer postgraduate programs. A few private universities have recently (as at July 2021) been accredited by the NUC and the MRTB for the entry level physiotherapy program, such as Bowen University, and Evangel University.
The Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) program has only just commenced in the country, and is only being currently offered by the University of Lagos.


A qualified physiotherapist is expected to have undergone a 5-year bachelor's degree education in a university and a 1-year internship program in an accredited clinic/hospital. On completion, potential physiotherapists are eligible to apply to the for a license to get into the practice fully.


The Business of Physiotherapy.

All licensed physiotherapists in Nigeria are to be registered under a governing body called The Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTB). They regulate clinical practices of physiotherapy and other rehabilitation practices, academic and internship programs.

Access to physiotherapy.

Most private hospitals in the country have either a physiotherapy department, unit or a visiting/ consulting Physiotherapist. There also a few private Physiotherapy Clinics such as ours (St. Joseph's physiotherapy clinic). All health insurance companies offer services and reimbursements for physiotherapy services, some of which are AXA Mansard HMO, Reliance HMO, MetroHealth HMO, Bastion HMO etc

Before physiotherapy became known as autonomous practice in Nigeria, physicians would usually have to act as the middlemen between a patient and a physiotherapist. If a patient will require the specialty of a physiotherapist, a physician will have to determine if the patient needs a physical therapist by accessing and diagnosing them before referring the patient to a physiotherapist, practicing within the tertiary and secondary hospitals.
Now, however, a simple google search allows you direct access to a qualified physiotherapist within your area. You can consult with a physiotherapist about your condition as they can be accessed directly and possess clinical autonomy.

Yes! Physiotherapy Has Clinical Autonomy

A licensed physiotherapist is authorized to offer private services to patients. A physiotherapist can evaluate, assess, diagnose, treat, prevent, manage several conditions in patients and refer patients to other rehabilitation specialists or back to their physician if the need arises.

Physiotherapy Specialization Overview

Currently, Physiotherapists based on post graduate education and specialization, may be specialised in any of the following subgroups.

Community Physiotherapy
Ergonomics and Industrial Physiotherapy
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Paediatric Physiotherapy
Exercise and Sports Physiotherapy
Palliative Care Physiotherapy
Paediatric Physiotherapy
Neurological Physiotherapy
Cardio-Pulmonary Physiotherapy
Women's Health

Visit St. Joseph's physiotherapy clinic today to get acquainted with a physiotherapist and access our services, we are at 21B Christ Avenue, Off Admiralty Road, Lekki Phase 1. Lagos Nigeria