The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has stated that the name of Mary Habila, the young woman who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, is not listed in its database of registered physiotherapists.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the association said it verified Habila’s credentials through the appropriate regulatory channels and found no record indicating that she was a registered physiotherapist.
The NSP noted that the finding highlights the importance of verifying professional qualifications before making public statements, particularly by public officials.
According to the society, professional status should be established through recognised regulatory processes rather than assumptions or unverified claims.
The association added that maintaining the integrity of regulated professions requires accurate representation of individuals’ qualifications and identities.
The NSP also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, saying the controversy surrounding her professional status should not overshadow the tragedy of her death.
The clarification follows an earlier statement from the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who said Mary Habila and another woman were employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, and had been serving on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as physiotherapists.
Mary Habila died on June 27 under controversial circumstances at the minister’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State. Her death has attracted widespread public attention and remains under police investigation, with authorities awaiting the outcome of a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death before her body is released for burial.
