MRTB Visits KIU for Accreditation of Physiotherapy Department

The Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB) has visited Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU) to assess and accredit the Department of Physiotherapy.

Speaking during the visit, the leader of the accreditation team, Professor Adamu Rufai, said the team was at the University on a national assignment to assess and accredit the Department of Physiotherapy.

Professor Rufai described accreditation as an important process in academic affairs, noting that its primary purpose is to ensure quality assurance and maintain the required standards in academic programmes in line with global best practices.

He stated that following the team's assessment of the Department, including the classrooms, laboratories and offices, the facilities were found to be in good condition. He therefore commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babagana Gutti, and his management team for the work done in developing the Department.

Professor Rufai called on the Vice-Chancellor to continue giving adequate attention and support to the Department, noting that Physiotherapy is a professional programme that requires six years of training.

He also commended the Department for its proper record-keeping, particularly the maintenance of students' and staff files, describing the practice as commendable.

The leader of the team further commended the Borno State Government for its excellent support to the education sector, particularly the ongoing development of the Robust Teaching Hospital, which he described as an important development that would further support medical education and training in the State.

The accreditation team expressed appreciation to the University management and the Department of Physiotherapy for their cooperation throughout the exercise.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babagana Gutti, welcomed the team and said he was confident that the visit would further strengthen the Department of Physiotherapy and contribute to the continued growth and development of the University.

Professor Gutti said the management of the University has reaffirmed its strong commitment to providing adequate infrastructure, equipment and other facilities required to support quality medical education and ensure the successful accreditation of its programmes.

He further stated that the Teaching Hospital is being prepared for commissioning on 17th October, with comprehensive cleaning and other final preparations scheduled to commence immediately.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that the University already has existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with teaching hospitals and specialist hospitals to support clinical training. However, the establishment and commissioning of the University's own Teaching Hospital will further strengthen its capacity to provide practical training and support the expansion of its medical programmes.

Professor Gutti also reaffirmed that the University has no intention of reducing student admission on account of facilities. Rather, the plan is to continuously expand infrastructure and equipment in line with the mandate to increase admission capacity.

It was disclosed that additional equipment purchased for the Teaching Hospital is still being unpacked and arranged. Management is also committed to procuring additional equipment where necessary to ensure that all departments meet the required standards.

The University has adequate space for further expansion, including additional buildings within the hospital complex. One of the buildings is earmarked to support postgraduate training and simulation activities in the future. The facility may also provide additional space for departments such as Physiotherapy as the University continues to expand its programmes.