Physiotherapy is one of the central aspects of the medical profession that involves injury care, rehabilitation and improvement of physical condition. Professionalism requires thorough theoretical education, manual dexterity and application of modern rehabilitation methods.
Due to the growing demand for physiotherapy experts in Nigeria and around the world, choosing the right university is at the top of the list for professional growth.
Here are the following criteria for the Best Physiotherapy universities in Nigeria for the 2025 academic year:
- Academic reputation and ranking in the country
- Veteran Lecturers and research excellence in medicine
- Sophisticated laboratories, rehabilitation clinics and well-equipped hospitals
- Professional practice and field training opportunities
- Alumni success in research institutes and hospitals
Top 10 University to Study Physiotherapy in Nigeria
If you’re interested in injury rehabilitation, musculoskeletal disorders, sports physiotherapy, or neurological rehab, these are Nigeria’s best universities for studying physiotherapy.
1. University of Ibadan (UI)
The University of Ibadan (UI) is one of the most prestigious medical institutions in Nigeria, offering a leading physiotherapy programme. The University places great focus on practical learning, medical research and rehabilitation methods.
Why Choose UI?
- The University is partnering with leading hospitals and rehabilitation centers in Nigeria to provide students with a wide range of internship opportunities
- Modern rehabilitation laboratories that provide the application of the latest technologies
- Professional courses that include neurological, orthopedic and pediatric physiotherapy
- Graduates are in demand in hospitals, sports medicine centers and research institutions
Characteristics of teaching
- Muscular-skeletal and neurological physiotherapy training
- Practical training of physical recovery and therapeutic exercises
- Use of modern medical equipment in physiotherapy practice
- Research programs aimed at the methods of recovery of motor function
UI is the perfect choice for students looking to advance in physiotherapy, rehab and research.
2. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is one of the leading medical universities in Nigeria that offers practical learning-based physiotherapy program. The university has a great focus on sports rehabilitation, orthopedic physiotherapy, and neurological rehabilitation.
Why Choose UNILAG?
• Strong practical learning system that allows students to work with real patients
• Collaboration with international rehabilitation centers, which enables students to gain professional experience
• Special laboratories for physical recovery and injury treatment
• Graduates work in hospitals, physiotherapy clinics and sports medicine centers
Characteristics of teaching
• Practical training of the newest technologies and equipment of physiotherapy
• Study of specialized rehabilitation methods
• Research projects focused on the effectiveness of physical therapeutic methods
• Sports injury prevention and treatment programs
UNILAG is the perfect choice for students who want to specialize in rehabilitative medicine, physiotherapy and sports medicine.
3. University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
The University of Nigeria (UNN) is known for its modern approach to teaching physiotherapy. The University places great emphasis on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular rehabilitation as well as promoting research. UNN provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes neurological physiotherapy, pediatric physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation and elderly care.
Why Choose UNN?
• Modern physiotherapy development center, which enables students to study the latest rehabilitation methods
• Collaborating with Nigerian and international rehabilitation institutions to provide students with practical experience
• Special courses in sports physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation and orthopedic therapy
• Graduates successfully work in medical institutions, research centers and sports medicine
Characteristics of teaching
• Learning modern methods of physiotherapy
• Techniques for recovery of injuries and muscular-skeletal disorders
Strategies for data collection and patient treatment
• Research programs aimed at developing new physiotherapy methods
UNN is the best choice for students who want to advance in physiotherapy, medical research and rehabilitative medicine.
4 Bayero University Kano (BUK)
Bayero University Kano (BUK) is one of the largest Federal Universities in Nigeria that offers quality physiotherapy training. The university focuses on research programs, physical rehabilitation and neurological physiotherapy, which provides students with practical skills and scientific knowledge.
Why Choose BUK?
• A leading center of physiotherapy and rehabilitative medicine that promotes research
• Cooperation with state hospitals and rehabilitation clinics, which enables students to get internships
• Students have the opportunity to work in traumatic, orthopedic and sports medicine departments
• Graduates successfully work in hospitals, private clinics and physical rehabilitation centers
Characteristics of teaching
• Training of patient recovery methods and physical therapeutic interventions
• Training of injury assessment, motor function recovery and medical exercises
• Research works focused on physiotherapy methods
BUK is the perfect choice for students looking to dive deeper into occupational physiotherapy, medical research and rehabilitation methods.
5. University of Benin (UNIBEN)
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is one of the leading medical education institutions in Nigeria that offers a state-of-the-art physiotherapy curriculum. The University places great focus on musculoskeletal, orthopedic and cardiovascular rehabilitation, providing students with high-quality knowledge and hands-on experience.
Why Choose UNIBEN?
- Advanced physiotherapy laboratories that enable students to apply the latest rehabilitation technologies
- Collaboration with leading medical centers in Nigeria and international rehabilitation institutions
- Professional courses that include cardiovascular, orthopedic and sports physiotherapy
- Graduates are in great demand in hospitals, physiotherapy clinics and health rehabilitation centers
Characteristics of teaching
• Practical training for treating muscular-skeletal system disorders and injuries
• Study and application of methods of medical exercises
• Techniques for biological mobility and functional rehabilitation of patients
• Research programs focused on the development of new physiotherapy methods
UNIBEN is the perfect choice for students who want to specialize in restorative medicine, orthopedic physiotherapy and medical research.
6. University of ilorin (UNILORIN)
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is known for its medical faculty that offers quality training in physiotherapy combined with theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The University focuses on patient rehabilitation, sports injuries treatment and neurological rehabilitation.
Why Choose UNILORIN ?
• The University partners with leading Nigerian hospitals to enable students to gain practical skills
• Modern physiotherapy laboratories that provide leading technologies for physical recovery
• The curriculum includes modules of injury treatment, musculoskeletal physiotherapy and neurological recovery
• Graduates work successfully in hospitals, physiotherapy centers and research laboratories
Characteristics of teaching
• Deep learning of physical therapy methods
• Application of medical exercises and rehabilitation programs
• Development of individual recovery plans for patients
• Research programs aimed at developing new methods of physiotherapy
UNILORIN is the perfect choice for students who want to become an expert in physiotherapy, rehabilitative medicine and research.
7. Bowen University (BOWEN)
Bowen University (BU) is one of the leading Private Universities in Nigeria that offers a modern physiotherapy curriculum. The University distinguishes itself with international standards of education that covers injury rehabilitation, physical therapy and sports medicine.
Why Choose BOWEN?
- Modern physiotherapy curriculum that meets international requirements.
- Concentration on regenerative medicine, including injury treatment, musculoskeletal system rehabilitation and orthopedic physiotherapy.
- Collaborations with leading medical centers and international rehabilitation institutions, providing students with hands-on experience.
- Specialized sports medicine and physical therapy courses designed for both the treatment of sports injuries and the rehabilitation of athletes.
- Students have a wide range of lab and clinical practice opportunities, allowing them to develop real-world work experience and apply theoretical knowledge in a hands-on environment.
Characteristics of teaching
- Practical training in physical rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises, working with real patients.
- An in-depth study of musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular physiotherapy.
- Practical application of therapeutic technologies and rehabilitation equipment.
- Developing individual treatment plans for patients and testing new methods of physical therapy.
- The University encourages student participation in research projects aimed at developing innovative approaches to physiotherapy.
Bowen University (BU) is a great choice for students looking to study physiotherapy, develop practical skills and build a successful career in healthcare.
8. Usman Dan Fodio University (UDUSOK)
Usman Dan Fodio University (UDUSOK) is one of the most prestigious public universities in Nigeria that offers a comprehensive physiotherapy curriculum. The University places great focus on the latest methods of medical rehabilitation, effective use of physical therapy and injury prevention.
Why Choose UDUSOK?
- A leading medical education institution providing quality training in physiotherapy.
- Collaborations with national and international hospitals, sports medicine centers and rehabilitation facilities providing students with real hands-on experience.
- Modern laboratories and state of the art physiotherapy equipments to ensure the application of advanced technologies in medical practice.
- High demand for graduates in health institutions, physiotherapy specialized clinics and research centers.
- Research programs aimed at improving new physiotherapy methods, treatment techniques and therapeutic interventions.
Characteristics of teaching
- In-depth training of physiotherapy, including musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and pediatric physiotherapy.
- Development of individual recovery programs of patients based on up-to-date scientific data.
- Training of medicinal exercise techniques aimed at improving mobility and restoring physical abilities.
- Practical applications of therapeutic equipment, including physiotherapy electronic technologies.
- Students have the opportunity to work at UDUSOK University Medical Centre, allowing them to apply their learning experience in a real-world environment.
Usman Dan Fodio University (UDUSOK) is a great choice for students who want to advance in the field of physiotherapy, receiving both high-quality education and practical experience.
9. University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) is one of the leading State Universities in Nigeria that offers modern and Applied Physiotherapy programme. The University places great emphasis on medical rehabilitation, injury prevention and physical therapy.
Why Choose UNIUYO?
- A modern curriculum that combines theoretical foundations of physical therapy with practical training.
- Collaboration with leading Nigerian hospitals, sports medicine centers and international rehabilitation institutions, enabling students to gain internships in a real clinical environment.
- Laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art physiotherapy equipments to enable students to get hands-on applications of digital diagnosis and medical technologies.
- Students are involved in research programs aimed at developing and applying the latest methods of physiotherapy.
- Graduates are in demand in public and private hospitals, sports rehabilitation centers and scientific research institutes.
Characteristics of teaching
- Basic courses in physiotherapy that cover musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and pediatric physiotherapy.
- Practical training of medical exercises and motor function improvement techniques.
- Developing individual patient recovery programs, including the study of the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions.
- Innovative use of medical equipment, robotic rehabilitation technologies and physiotherapy methods.
- Students have the opportunity to work at UNIUYO University Medical Centre, allowing them to apply their learning experience in a real-world environment.
The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) is a great choice for students looking to not only receive higher education in physiotherapy but also gain practical skills while working with real patients.
10. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) is one of the most prestigious Federal Universities with Medical course in Nigeria that offers a quality training in physiotherapy combined with theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The University focuses on injury rehabilitation, neurological physiotherapy, sports medicine and cardiovascular rehabilitation.
Why Choose UNIMAID ?
- A leading medical education institution providing high quality physiotherapy training with highly experienced lecturers.
- State-of-the-art rehabilitation laboratories that provide hands-on training of state-of-the art equipment and medical technologies.
- Collaboration with national and international medical institutions, enabling students to participate in practical training programs.
- Students have the opportunity to work at university-affiliated hospitals, allowing them to gain real-world experience in injury recovery and treatment.
- Graduates are in demand in hospitals, sports rehabilitation centers, health care facilities and scientific research centers.
Characteristics of teaching
- Multiple areas of physiotherapy, including neurological, pediatric, cardiovascular and orthopedic physiotherapy.
- Developing individual programs for the recovery of patients and applying new methods of physical therapy.
- Teaching advanced techniques for injury treatment and prevention, including medical exercises, manual therapy, and electrotherapy.
- Participation in research programs that contribute to the innovative development of physiotherapy.
- Practical applications of therapeutic equipment, including robotic recovery technologies and electronic methods of physical therapy.
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) is a great choice for students looking to dive into physiotherapy with both higher education and hands-on experience in healthcare facilities.
Conclusion
Studying physiotherapy at some of Nigeria’s top universities provides the necessary skills to rehab patients, treat injuries, and improve health. The universities provide state-of-the-art laboratories, international partnerships, and hands-on learning programs, making students competitive and sought-after professionals.
This list will help you choose the best university according to your professional goals.