Academic Paths to an Exercise Physiologist Career in Nigeria

Nicholas Idoko 10 min read

Last Updated on September 24, 2023

Introduction

Exercise physiology is significant in understanding the effects of exercise on the human body. There is a growing demand for exercise physiologists in Nigeria due to increased health awareness.

The main purpose of this blog post is to explore the academic paths to becoming an exercise physiologist in Nigeria.

Exercise physiology studies the body’s responses to physical activity, vital for health and performance.

As Nigeria embraces a healthier lifestyle, the demand for skilled exercise physiologists is on the rise.

This blog post explores the academic journey and steps to pursue a rewarding exercise physiologist career in Nigeria.

Academic Paths to Becoming an Exercise Physiologist in Nigeria

Undergraduate Degree Options

Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology: The curriculum includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, exercise prescription, and biomechanics. Benefits of this degree include a strong foundation in exercise science and preparation for further specialization.
Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology or Human Movement Science: These degrees are relevant to exercise physiology as they focus on the study of human movement and physical activity. The coursework includes exercise physiology, motor learning, and exercise prescription.

Graduate Degree Options

Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology: Pursuing a master’s degree offers advantages such as specialized knowledge and enhanced career opportunities. The coursework explores advanced topics in exercise physiology and research opportunities are available.
Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in Exercise Physiology: Obtaining a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology provides career advantages such as higher-level research positions and leadership roles. The program includes extensive research and teaching opportunities to develop expertise in the field.

Aspiring exercise physiologists in Nigeria can pursue different academic paths to enter this rewarding career. One option is a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, covering subjects like anatomy, physiology, exercise prescription, and biomechanics, providing a strong foundation in exercise science.

Graduates are equipped to assess physical fitness levels and design tailored exercise programs.

Another option is a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology or Human Movement Science, focusing on human movement and physical activity. Graduates understand the physiological and biomechanical aspects of exercise.

For specialization, individuals can pursue a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, delving deeper into the discipline with advanced coursework and research opportunities.

A Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in Exercise Physiology is the highest level of academic achievement, offering career advantages like research positions and leadership roles. With these academic paths, aspiring exercise physiologists can make a significant impact in Nigeria’s field of exercise physiology.

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Accredited Universities and Institutions in Nigeria Offering Exercise Physiology Programs

List of Universities and Institutions Offering Undergraduate Degrees

University of Lagos: The University of Lagos is renowned for its strong exercise physiology program. It is accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Nigeria.

Admission requirements for undergraduate studies at the University of Lagos include a minimum of five credits in relevant subjects in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Obafemi Awolowo University: Obafemi Awolowo University boasts a reputable exercise physiology program. It is accredited by the NUC in Nigeria.

Admission requirements for undergraduate studies at Obafemi Awolowo University include a minimum of five credits, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, in the WASSCE.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka: The University of Nigeria, Nsukka offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in exercise physiology. It is accredited by the NUC in Nigeria.

Admission requirements for undergraduate studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka include a minimum of five credits in relevant subjects in the WASSCE or General Certificate of Education (GCE).

List of Universities and Institutions Offering Graduate Degrees

University of Ibadan: The University of Ibadan offers a highly regarded graduate program in exercise physiology. It is accredited by the NUC in Nigeria.

Admission requirements for graduate studies at the University of Ibadan include a minimum of a second-class lower division in a relevant bachelor’s degree and a good score in the university’s entrance examination.
Ahmadu Bello University: Ahmadu Bello University provides a distinguished graduate program in exercise physiology. It is accredited by the NUC in Nigeria.

Admission requirements for graduate studies at Ahmadu Bello University include a minimum of a second-class lower division in a relevant bachelor’s degree and a satisfactory score in the university’s entrance examination.
University of Calabar: The University of Calabar offers a comprehensive graduate program in exercise physiology. It is accredited by the NUC in Nigeria.

Admission requirements for graduate studies at the University of Calabar include a minimum of a second-class lower division in a relevant bachelor’s degree, along with relevant work experience.

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Academic Paths to an Exercise Physiologist Career in Nigeria

Career Opportunities and Job Prospects in Nigeria for Exercise Physiologists

Various Employment Settings for Exercise Physiologists

Hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Universities and research institutions.
Fitness centers and sports clubs.

Demand and Growth Potential of Exercise Physiology Careers

Exercise physiology careers in Nigeria have a significant demand and growth potential. With the increasing population and awareness of health and fitness, the need for exercise physiologists is on the rise.

The prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions has made the role of exercise physiologists crucial in promoting a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention. As a result, the career prospects for exercise physiologists in Nigeria are promising.

Furthermore, the government and non-governmental organizations are emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and are investing in promoting exercise and wellness programs across the country. This has created a favorable environment for exercise physiologists to find employment opportunities and contribute to improving the overall health of the population.

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Salaries and Benefits in the Field

The salaries and benefits for exercise physiologists in Nigeria vary depending on the specific employment setting and level of experience. Generally, exercise physiologists can earn a decent income and enjoy several benefits.

In hospitals and healthcare facilities, exercise physiologists may earn competitive salaries, especially if they hold advanced degrees and have specialized certifications. Universities and research institutions typically offer attractive salary packages along with research opportunities and academic advancements.

Fitness centers and sports clubs often hire exercise physiologists on a contract or part-time basis, offering flexible hours and potential for additional income through personal training sessions. They may also provide complimentary gym memberships and other perks.

In essence, exercise physiologists in Nigeria have diverse career opportunities in hospitals, universities, and fitness centers. The demand for exercise physiology careers is growing, supported by the government’s focus on health promotion and disease prevention.

Salaries and benefits in the field are competitive, providing a rewarding career path for individuals passionate about exercise and wellness.

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Professional Organizations and Networking Opportunities for Exercise Physiologists in Nigeria

List of relevant professional organizations in Nigeria

Nigerian Association of Sports Sciences and Medicine (NASSM)
Nigerian Association of Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports, and Dance (NAPHER-SD)
Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy (NSP)

Benefits of joining these organizations

Access to a supportive community of professionals in the field
Opportunity to attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to enhance knowledge and skills
Networking opportunities with industry experts, potential employers, and fellow exercise physiologists
Access to research articles, journals, and resources for professional development
Recognition and credibility in the field by being part of reputable organizations
Possibility of pursuing leadership roles within the organizations

Networking opportunities and events

Conferences and Symposia: These events bring exercise physiologists and other professionals together to discuss advancements, research findings, and best practices in the field. It allows for networking and building connections.
Workshops and Seminars: Organizations often organize workshops and seminars to provide training and educational opportunities for exercise physiologists. These events attract experts in the field and offer a chance to network with them.
Webinars and Online Discussions: In the digital age, professional organizations also utilize webinars and online platforms to facilitate networking. These virtual events bring professionals together for interactive discussions and knowledge sharing.
Social Media and Online Forums: Joining relevant professional organizations on social media platforms or online forums provides platforms to network, ask questions, and engage with other exercise physiologists in Nigeria.
Mentorship Programs: Some professional organizations offer mentorship programs, connecting experienced exercise physiologists with newcomers in the field. This enables knowledge transfer, career guidance, and valuable networking opportunities.

In general, exercise physiologists in Nigeria can benefit greatly from joining professional organizations. These organizations provide a platform for networking, access to resources, and opportunities for professional development, ultimately enhancing their career prospects in the field.

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Conclusion

This blog post highlighted the academic paths to a career as an exercise physiologist in Nigeria.

It emphasized the significance of pursuing proper educational qualifications for success in this field.

Readers are encouraged to explore the available educational options and seize the opportunities in this growing field.

Additionally, exercise physiologists in Nigeria can enjoy job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment by positively impacting individuals’ lives and contributing to the nation’s health goals. This intrinsic reward further enhances the overall compensation package in this field.