First African Neuro-physiotherapy Professor Dies At 53

 The sad news came to us at aibnetwork early this morning about the death of Tal-hatu Kolapo HAMZAT, the first African Professor of Neurophysiotherpy.

The Ibadan-born don who contested the last vice-chancellorship at the University of Ibadan, passed on during a brief illness.

As announced by Dr Abdu-Salam, the Chairman of the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan Muslim Community.

"Inna lilahi, wa ina  ilahei raajiuna."

"The UCH Muslim Community announces the death of one of our leading lights, Professor Talhatu Kolapo Hamzat who answered the call of Allah early this morning. Until his death, he was a Professor of Neurophysiotherpy and former Head of Department of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. Former University Orator and Member of the Oyo State Advisory Council."

He announced that the Muslim burial prayers (Jannaza) will take place at the UCH Mosque after the late afternoon (Asr) prayers (4pm). His body will thereafter leave for the UNIFEMGA Muslim Burial Grounds at Iyana-Offa, Lagelu Local Government after Olodo.

He prayed Allah accept his returns, forgive him his sins and accept him to Aljanah Firdaos.

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.