First PhD Physiotherapy student graduates from UZKN.PhD in Physiotherapy Graduate a First for UKZN
Dr Jibril Mohammed Nuhu is the first student to have graduated with a PhD in Physiotherapy at UKZN.
Dr S S Maharaj supervised his thesis which was titled: “Effects of Rebound Exercise on Metabolic Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes”.
Nuhu, who has a BSc in Physiotherapy and a Master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, said: ‘I am currently working as a Lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy at Bayero University in Kano in Nigeria. I look up to God, the Almighty.’
Married with two daughters, Nuhu said: ‘I am passionate about imparting knowledge to individuals at all levels.
‘Attaining a PhD is a big joy for any graduate, their family members and other well-wishers given the very rough nature of the path trodden. Being the first person at UKZN to graduate with a PhD in Physiotherapy, I feel elated for making history and I am very happy especially because I was also the first international student to enrol for a PhD in the Department and the first member of my family with a PhD. For me, this is the beginning of a voyage of more research and discovery in my chosen field. I feel great!’ said Nuhu.
According to Nuhu, he decided to pursue this particular study in order to encourage the growing number of people with diabetes to undertake regular physical exercise as an essential part of the management for their condition with a view to enhancing their overall quality of life. ‘This particular study is novel, because it was the first to use rebound exercise as an adjunct in the management of type 2 diabetes,’ said Nuhu.
The exercise was beneficial as it resulted in a decrease in fasting blood sugar and other related parameters with the potential to prevent, reduce or delay associated diabetic complications. The general wellbeing of the participants was enhanced because the apparatus for the exercise does not require electricity to function. It may be an exercise mode of choice for many individuals/exercise specialists in resource-poor settings. One of the challenges encountered was the inadequate funding.
‘My next major project is to use the same exercise for individuals with diabetes of the type 1 variety and other chronic disorders’, said Nuhu.
‘Anyone who wants to follow in my footsteps must be ready for the challenges inherent in a terminal degree and must understand that doing a PhD is a huge enterprise. Hard work with perseverance is the key to a successful PhD. One must always stay focused to avoid veering off as this can negatively affect one’s motivation. Even with adequate funds and serious-minded advisors, dips and peaks in energy or enthusiasm are normal. One must remain tenacious. Take a rest or go on a hiatus when necessary in order to keep enjoying the journey,’ said Nuhu.
‘In the next 10 years I see myself working as a scholar of international repute serving humanity via teaching, research and clinical practice.’