Faderera A. Adepoju

My students know me as ‘Fade’, and I have over twenty years’ clinical experience spanning both adult and paediatric neurorehabilitation.

I’m a purpose-driven, empathetic physiotherapist and educator who is deeply committed to delivering patient-centred care based on the best available evidence. My approach has always placed the individual at the heart of clinical practice, working closely with patients and their families to maximise functional abilities and help them to reintegrate confidently into their communities. 

My drive to expand my knowledge and pursue new approaches led me naturally from busy clinical settings into active engagement with research and, ultimately, into university lecturing. In Nigeria, I played a notable role in supporting the development of physiotherapy education in two rapidly growing universities, earning letters of commendation and awards. I’m also deeply committed to my research; for example, I investigated the development of effective home-based interventions for children with neurodisabilities. Over the years, I’ve published numerous scientific papers and stay actively involved in advancing physiotherapy research.

Here at UCB, I contribute to physiotherapy training that is robust, relevant, and accessible. I deliver practical simulations, supervise students’ dissertation work, and serve as a link tutor (facilitating communication between the university and its partners on aspects of course operation and management). 

Students frequently comment on the practical relevance of the scenarios and examples I share, as well as my readiness to support them both inside and outside of the classroom. I was proud to receive the ‘Best Lecturer in Physiotherapy Award’ (2017) from the Bowen Association of Physiotherapy Students and an ‘Outstanding Staff Award’ from Bowen University. It’s so rewarding to see my students fulfil their professional goals, and for me, there’s no greater feeling than when a former student becomes a colleague. 

The best advice I can give to students is to "shape the iron when it is hot" - stay focused on your goals and make the most of every available opportunity, especially while you’re studying at university.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy reading motivational books and perfecting my sewing skills. My favourite film is Under Siege by Damilola Mike-Bamiloye.