First African Neuro-physiotherapy Professor, Kolapo Hamsat Dies At 53

Death has been announced of the first African professor of Neuro-physiotherapy, Professor Tal-hatu Kolapo Hamsat.

The Ibadan-born Prof., we scooped died after a brief illness, at the age of 53.

Professor Tal-hatu Kolapo Hamzat, it would be recalled, contested the last vice-chancellorship at the University of Ibadan.

Olayinka Omigbodun, a professor of psychiatry & provost of College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, confirming the death, said: “I received information early this morning from both the deputy provost, Professor A.F Adeniyi and the acting head of physiotherapy, Dr. Adesola C. Odole. I requested a brief write up for this announcement and the Acting Head had written: 

“Professor Tal-hatu Kolapo HAMZAT, a Professor of Neurological Physiotherapy was born on 15th June 1970 in Ibadan. He obtained a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree with Second Class-Upper Division in March 1994. He belongs to the first group of physiotherapy graduates in Nigeria to be officially inducted into physiotherapy profession on Friday 18 March, 1994. He obtained a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Physiology of Exercise in May 1998 and a PhD in Neurological Physiotherapy in February 2001. His professional academic career started at the Department of Physiotherapy College of Medicine, University of Ibadan on 23 August, 2001 as a Lecturer-I and was promoted to a Senior Lecturer in October 2004. On October 1, 2009 as a high flyer, he was promoted from the rank of Senior lecturer to the grade of Professor of Physiotherapy. He is survived by his wife and three children,” the statement said.

Those close to the family said that janaza prayers would be performed on him after the Asr prayer (around 4pm) and his remains would be interred at University of Ife Muslim Graduates Association, UNIFEMGA, Rest Park at Ile-Igbon area of Lagelu Local Government.