Members of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) and the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria (ACAPN) have expressed serious concern over the Medical Rehabilitation Board of Nigeria (MRTB)’s resolution to introduce a Diploma/Technician cadre in Physiotherapy/Medical rehabilitation in the country.

Addressing journalists in Lagos yesterday, ACAPN President, Prof. Udoka Okafor, disclosed that MRTB recently introduced controversial policies and regulations, which were met with total rejection by practitioners amid allegations and suspicions of a conflict of interest involving the board’s registrar.

Saying that the development would lead to quackery in the nation’s medical practice, Okafor added that both professional associations have passed collective resolutions saying ‘no to Diploma/Technician cadre in Physiotherapy/Medical rehabilitation in Nigeria.’

Okafor noted: “We, the Presidents of NSP and ACAPN, wish to inform all Physiotherapists at home and in the Diaspora, the Government Agencies and our Regulatory Board (and other relevant stakeholders) that all Physiotherapists in Nigeria have come together in unity as we prepare for our upcoming Unity Conference in Kano State in October 2026.”

On his part, NSP President, Dr Felix Oyinlola Odusanya, observed that due to the non-constitution of the MRTB Board by the Federal Government in the past few years, the board under the Registrar seems to pursue role conflict and has failed in carrying out its statutory roles of professional licencing.