1

CONSTITUTION

OF THE

NIGERIA SOCIETY

OF

PHYSIOTHERAPY

2013

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THE CONSTITUTION OF THE NIGERIA SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

CONTENTS

ARTICLE TITLE PAGE

PREAMBLE …………….……………………………………………4

I NAME …………………………………………………………………4

II AIMS AND OBJECTIVES…………………………………………..4

III VISION AND MISSION ……………………………………………..6

IV POWERS OF THE SOCIETY ………………………………………7

V STRUCTURE ….…………………………………………….……..7

VI REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP .………………………8

VII DUTIES, RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES ………………………….11

VIII TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP……………………….…….12

IX RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND DISCIPLINE ……………………13

X LITIGATION……………………………………………………………17

XI FEES, BANKING AND FINANCE………………………………….18

XII NATIONAL OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY ………………………19

XIII APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS ……………………………………21

XIV QUALIFICATIONS FOR NOMINATION……………………………22

XV DUTIES OF OFFICERS………………………………..……………22

XVI STATE CHAPTERS/HOSPITAL UNITS/SPECIAL

INTEREST GROUPS…………………………………………..……27

XVI I OFFICERS OF STATE CHAPTERS/ HOSPITAL UNITS/

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS …….…………..…………...…. 29

XVIII NATIONAL COUNCILS OF THE NSP…………………………….29

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XIX STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE NEC……….…………….33

XX TRUSTEES OF THE SOCIETY …………………….……………34

XXI COMMITTEE OF PAST PRESIDENTS……….……...…………35

XXII REMOVAL FROM OFFICE…………………………………………36

XXIII MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY……………………….……………36

XXIV CONDUCT OF GENERAL ELECTIONS…………….……………38

XXV HONORS AND AWARDS…………………………………………….42

XXVI REPRESENTATION ON OTHER BODIES…………….………….45

XXVII SPECIAL PROVISIONS…………………………………….…………45

XXVIII AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION……………………….…46

XXIX PROSCRIPTION AND LIFTING OF PROSCRIPTION

BAN OF THE SOCIETY……………………………………………….47

XXX TRANSITION, REVOCATION AND INDEMNITY CLAUSES…..47

XXXI ARRANGEMENT/ARITHMETIC OF THE CONSTITUTION,

CONFLICT AND WITHDRAWAL OF SERVICES…………………48

XXXII EFFECTIVE DATE/STANDING ORDERS ……………………….49

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CONSTITUTION OF THE NIGERIA SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

PREAMBLE:

We the members of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy,

• RECOGNISING the need for a proper Constitution to regulate the conduct of the

members of the Society.

• TAKING into cognizance the fact that the Physiotherapy profession is a noble

one.

• AWARE of our responsibilities and loyalty to the world confederation for

PHYSICAL THERAPY of which the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy is affiliated or

any other Association or body, insofar as the objectives and aims of the

aforementioned organization(s) do not in any way, contradict our professional and

national values.

• REALISING the fact that the formation of professional bodies is a universal

phenomenon.

• DO hereby agree, accept and resolve that every member of this Society is bound

by this Constitution.

ARTICLE I:

(1) NAME:

There shall be a Society of Physiotherapists to be known and called Nigeria Society of

Physiotherapy hereinafter referred to as the Society or N.S.P

(2) SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION

This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all

authorities, organs, units, chapters, branches and members of the Society and where

applicable, any other persons.

ARTICLE II:

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

(1) To safeguard and protect the interest of physiotherapy everywhere.

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(2) To support high standards of physiotherapy education and practice.

(3) To represent the physiotherapy profession nationally and internationally.

(4) To support scientific research, communication, and exchange of information

on the field of physiotherapy.

(5) To liaise and fraternize with physiotherapy Associations around the World and

other professional bodies in Nigeria and around the World.

(6) To comment on social and political matters that affect the Nigeria health

sector and our members.

(7) To hold meetings for discussion and exchange of views on matters of professional

interest.

(8) To act as bulwark of the physiotherapy profession in Nigeria and to work in

conjunction with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists’(Reg.) Board of Nigeria, the

MRTB in preventing her bastardization by quacks and imposters.

(9) To be recognized as a professional body by individuals, corporate bodies and

government in Nigeria and in Diaspora (Internationally)

(10) To deal and act on all manner of matters which might be of interest to the

physiotherapy profession.

(11) To offer and maintain true professional physiotherapy services to clients and

patients and to encourage charitable activities to Nigerians in particular and World

Community in General.

(12) To register and give clearance to all prospective physiotherapists before they are

re-licensed by the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board (MRTRB) to

practice the physiotherapy profession in Nigeria.

(13) To undertake all such matters or things as are incidental or conducive to the

above aims and objectives including investments, participation in business,

commercial and industrial ventures, acquisition and disposal of rights, privileges,

funds and property.

(14) To spread the knowledge of physiotherapy in academic and clinical institutions

by continually raising the standards of practice so that Nigerians are encouraged to

seek professional training in physiotherapy.

(15) To adhere to and maintain at all times the standards of professional and personal

ethics which reflect credit upon the profession and take steps to see that the dignity

of the profession and the Society is maintained.

(16) To be responsible for and undertake the supervision and control of training,

examining and registering for physiotherapy services in Nigeria.

(17) Do any and all lawful acts which may be necessary for the development of the

physiotherapy profession.

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(18) To ensure that physiotherapists in Nigeria uphold “the MRTB Oath of

Physiotherapy Practice” as sworn to and abide by the MRTB code of ethics/conduct.

(19) To promote the advancement of health and allied pursuits.

(20) To foster the welfare and interaction of all physiotherapists and Medical

Rehabilitation Practitioners in Nigeria.

(21) To consider and express views on all proposed legislation, on national and

international issue as it pertains to the physiotherapy profession.

(22) To protect at all times the interests of physiotherapists and physiotherapy

profession through partnership and/ or affiliation to relevant trade

union(s)/organization(s) and any other lawful group/assembly in Nigeria and

abroad.

ARTICLE III:

VISION, MISSION STATEMENTS AND CORE VALUES OF THE SOCIETY

(1) VISSION :

(a) Physiotherapists as first contact practitioners.

(b) Entry level for Physiotherapy practice to be Doctor of Physiotherapy.

(c) Carrier progression in both academic and clinical settings to be equally attractive.

(d) Physiotherapists to be recognized as ‘experts’ in exercise prescription, exercise

testing ergonomics, physical rehabilitation, disability and inclusive development.

(e) Physiotherapy to occupy position of pride among fellow professionals.

(2) MISSION :

To raise the profile of the Physiotherapy Profession by developing and implementing

protocols and initiatives having a central focus on Physiotherapists and the

patients/clients.

(3) CORE VALUES :

Competence and Integrity

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ARTICLE IV:

POWERS OF THE SOCIETY

1). The Society may make such bye-laws, standing orders or rules as may be deemed

necessary for the general management of the affairs of the Society including the

determination of suitability of prospective member’s qualifications to be member.

The Society may make such bye-laws, standing orders or rules as may be deemed

necessary for the general management of the affairs of the Society including the

classification, admission and discipline by whatever manner including suspension and

expulsion of members and directive to its officers and members, amendment or repeal

of all or parts of this constitution, bye-laws standing orders and other rules set out to

this constitution or where no provision exist, in accordance with decision determined by

two thirds vote of its members at a properly constituted meeting,

The Society may make such bye-laws, standing orders or rules as may be deemed

necessary for the general management of the affairs of the Society including the

acquisition of any right or privilege necessary or consistent with the purposes of the

Society and publish regularly or at intervals relevant materials or disseminate

information necessary for its purposes.

(2) The Society may receive, acquire, accept and hold thereof real and personal

property by gift or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire for the purposes of the

Society and may sell, lease, invest or otherwise dispose thereof in such a matter

that may be deemed expedient for such purpose.

(3) No member or officer of the Society shall merely by reason of such membership,

be or become personally liable for any of the debt and obligations.

ARTICLE V:

STRUCTURE

The business of the Society shall be conducted through the:

(A) NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) OR CORE NATIONAL

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (CNEC) comprising of elected national

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executive members, immediate past President(as Ex-Officio I) and

immediate past National General Secretary( as Ex-Officio II).

The NEC or CNEC meeting shall have the right to invite

Chairman(men) of Committee(s) or any other person(s) whose

activity or activities is or are envisaged to be subject of discussion at

the meeting.

(B) EXPANDED NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (ENEC) comprising of

(a) as comprised above , and ALL chairmen of Standing Committees.

(C) SPECIAL DELEGATE CONGRESS(SDC) comprising of ENEC as in

article V( b) above plus :

(i) The Chairman or designee of each of the State Chapters.

(ii) One Representative of each group of the special interest group(s) of NSP.

(iii) The Registrar of Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board on the

condition that he is a physiotherapist.

(iv) Registrar of the National Postgraduate Physiotherapy College of Nigeria(NPPCN).

(v) N.S.P’s representative to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy

(vi) Heads of Physiotherapy Training Institutions in Nigeria or their representatives.

(vii) Chairman or designee of the Committee of Heads Of Physiotherapy

Departments In Nigeria(CHOPDIN).

(D) NATIONAL GOVETRING COUNCIL (NGC) OF NSP.

This Council comprises of the Special Delegate Congress plus other dignitaries.

ARTICLE VI:

REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBERSHIP

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Any physiotherapist registered under the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration

Board (Decree 38 of 1988) or as may be amended shall have a right of membership of

the Society on compliance with prescribed membership requirements of the N.S.P. as

may be reviewed from time to time, unless otherwise prescribed herein in this

constitution. It shall be illegal for any Nigerian Physiotherapist to practice

physiotherapy in Nigeria without being a good-standing member of the Nigeria Society

of Physiotherapy.

To qualify for membership of the Society, an applicant shall fulfill the following criteria:

(1) FULL MEMBERSHIP (a) APPLICATION File a written membership application with the Chairman, Education Committee, or any

other person designated by the Executive Council.

(b) QUALIFICATION / EDUCATION

(i) Has received an education, including completion of degree programme in

Physiotherapy or Medical Rehabilitation, from a Nigerian University or any other

University recognized and accredited by the relevant

Ministry/Ministries/Agency/Agencies/Organ(s) of the Nigerian Government.

(ii) Has received a Physiotherapy Education considered equivalent to (i) above, by the

Education Committee of the NSP.

(iii) Has been issued current MRTB practicing licence.

(c) EXPERIENCE

Has experience satisfactory to the Education Committee of the NSP.

( d ) AGE

Be at least eighteen years at the time of application.

(e) PRESCRIBED FEES

Pay a fee to the tune of total amount of both registration and annual subscription

at the prevailing rate.

2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

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(a) Any person who is qualified to be admitted as a full member, as defined above,

may be admitted as an Associate Member, should his stay in Nigeria be for a

period of less than six calendar months.

Prospective Associate Members shall themselves be members of Physiotherapy

Association in their countries with whom the Society has reciprocity.

3. LIFE MEMBERSHIP

There shall be Two (2) types of life Membership:

(a) Full members who shall have paid before August, 2010 a Life Membership fee

equal to THIRTY (30) years annual subscription in bulk, and

(b) Full members who are above the age of 75 years and have remained financial

members of the Society continuously for a period of at least 20 years.

Members who satisfied the conditions (a) or (b) above shall tender in writing

his/her desire to become live members. Upon consideration and approval by the

NEC, and after payment of prescribed processing fee, Certificate of Life

Membership shall be issued to that effect. Life membership shall be effective from

the date of payment of fees.

4. AFFILIATE/HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

(i) They shall be men and women of distinction not ordinarily eligible to be

members of the Society but who have made notable contributions to the

advancement of the Physiotherapy profession or demonstrated remarkable

interest in physiotherapy or in the rehabilitation of the disabled.

(ii) The election of members in the foregoing paragraph shall be proposed by the

National Executive Council of the Society and ratified by two-thirds of voting

members, present at any General Meeting.

(iii) Honorary members shall not be entitled to vote or be voted for at any NSP

functions and meetings.

5. STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

These shall be validly identified Physiotherapy Students in any accredited

Nigerian and foreign Universities undergoing physiotherapy training. Student

members shall be allowed to attend NSP functions/general meetings but shall not

be entitled to vote or be voted for at meetings.

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6. DISTANT MEMBERSHIP

Any Full or Associate member of the Society who, for whatever reason, decides to

live permanently abroad, may retain his or her membership insofar as the

obligations of membership continue to be fulfilled in accordance with the

constitution or a person, not ordinary resident in Nigeria could be considered for

distance membership provided he fulfills all his or her financial obligation. Such

a member shall be entitled to all the benefits or Full or Associates membership.

7. PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Physiotherapy interns who are undergoing internship in accredited hospitals or

medical institutions can apply for provisional membership.

8. INDUCTION OF MEMBERS

Members who have satisfied the conditions stipulated in section 1 (b)

above shall have the privilege of being inducted into FULL MEMBERSHIP of

the society at any General Meeting of the Society or as may be fixed by the

NSP NEC.

ARTICLE VII:

DUTIES, RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES

1. Any member of the Society shall have the following duties:

(a) Uphold and comply with the Society’s Constitution at all times.

(b) Report to the Executive Council as at when requested.

(c) Pay subscriptions and other levies as may be decided by the Society from time to

time.

(d) To keep the Society informed of any special event or development in his or her

locality that is of interest and benefit to the Society.

(e) To keep to the Ethics of the Physiotherapy Profession.

(f) To do all lawful acts in the members power to promote the aims, objectives, and

activities of the Society.

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2. Full members of the Society shall have the right:

(a) To attend and participate in all meetings of the Society.

(b) To vote and be voted for.

(c) To hold office or serve on Committees of the Society.

(d) To represent the Society on External Organizations.

(e) Enjoy membership of State Chapters and Local/Hospital Units or other interest

groups of the Society in accordance with the Constitution.

3. Associate members of the Society shall have the rights:

(a) To attend and participate in all meetings of the Society.

(b) To vote but not voted for.

(c) To serve on ad hoc Committees of the Society, but shall not hold any elective

office.

4. Students AND Provisional members shall only have the right:

(a) To attend and participate in all business meetings of the Society without the right

to vote or be voted for.

(b) A student shall have no right to serve on Committees or hold elective office but

provisional members shall have the right to serve on ad hoc committees of the

Society.

5. Affiliate and Honorary Members shall have right:

To serve on Committees of the Society in Advisory capacity only.. They shall

neither vote nor hold elective office.

ARTICLE VIII:

TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the Society may be terminated in any of the following ways:

(a) By removal of name from the Register of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists

Registration Board (MRTRB), thereby, effecting an automatic loss of membership

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of the Society. Such a member can only be reinstated if application is made after

his or her name has been restored to the Board’s Register.

(b) Membership may be terminated by expulsion in accordance with the relevant

provisions of the Constitution.

(c) By removal of name on N.S.P. Register for non-payment of Annual Subscription

and / or Practicing Fee for three(3) calendar years. Where such a person wishes

to have his or her name re-registered, he or she shall pay the total debt plus

reinstatement fee as may be determined by the NEC.

ARTICLE IX:

RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND DISCIPLINE

(1) A member of the Society may be subject to disciplinary proceedings for any act of

omission or commission which has been adjudged by the Nigeria Society of

Physiotherapy based on acceptable professional ethics to have brought the

physiotherapy profession into disrepute.

(2) Any action on the part of a physiotherapist or member deemed to have brought

the profession into disrepute or conduct inimical to interest or corporate

existence of the Society or disdainful of its rules may be reported by any

aggrieved person, concerned citizen, or fellow member of the Society to the

Society through its officers.

(3) Members(and non-members) shall have the right to seek redress from NSP

through the NRPDT in matters affecting their rights/privileges.

(4) RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

(a) A report made to the President or National General Secretary shall be deemed to

have been made to the Society.

(b) On receipt of such a report, the National General Secretary or the Assistant

Secretary or any other person appointed or designated by NEC shall refer the

complaint with all the relevant supporting documents to the constituted National

Rights, Privileges and Disciplinary Tribunal.

(c) The Tribunal shall have the right to conduct its own independent investigation,

but shall also call the member against whom the complaint is laid to defend

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himself through written or oral deposition at a stated place and time after

reasonable notice.

(d) Having thoroughly investigated the case, the Tribunal shall submit a report and

its recommendation to the National Executive Council (NEC).

(e) The National Executive Council shall again review the substance of the

complaint, the request and recommendation(s) of the Tribunal and dispose the

matter as it deems fit provided that the defendant or complainant if dissatisfied

may appeal to the Annual General Meeting through the General Secretary or the

National Executive Council. The decision of the Annual General Meeting shall be

final.

(f) The NEC shall have the power to refer any person and/ or matter to the National

Rights, Privileges and Disciplinary Tribunal provided it shall do so before the NEC

takes a decision on the case.

(g) Non-payment of N.S.P. annual dues and Medical Rehabilitation Therapists

Registration Board’s Annual Practicing fees by any person brought before the

Tribunal shall not in any way invalidate the proceedings and decisions of the

Society as it may concern discipline but may affect one’s rights and privileges.

(h) Any physiotherapist shall be subject to disciplinary procedure by the Society

provided he or she has registered to practice in Nigeria in any one year since

graduation.

(5) DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

A member found guilty of an act of omission or commission deemed to have brought

the profession or the Society into disrepute or to disdain of its rules, after due

process as provided for in this constitution may be subjected by NEC to one or more

of the following actions according to NEC’s judgment and as to the gravity of the

offence.

(a) Reprimand

(b) Removal from office

(c) Denial of right to vote

(d) Denial or right to represent the N.S.P on an outside body

(e) Fine not exceeding 10 times the annual N.S.P. dues

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(f) Referral to the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board for disciplinary

proceedings

(g) Suspension from N.S.P.

(h) Expulsion

(i) Any other punishment as may be deemed fit.

(6). Any member who fails to pay his or her Annual Subscription and /or Practicing

Fee on or before 31st December of the preceding year shall lose all the privileges

of membership including the following:

(a) Membership of any committee and / or the National Rights, Privileges and

Disciplinary Tribunal.

(b) The right to hold any office or elective position at all levels of the Society and

professional interest groups.

(c) Any President who is removed from office shall not have the right to attend any

meeting of the Society as an immediate past president or as a past president or in

any capacity. He shall also not have the right to represent the Society on any

body.

(7). STATE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL.

Every State chapter or local/hospital unit shall have the right to setup a State

Rights, Privileges and Disciplinary Tribunal composed as deemed necessary to

investigate complaints and recommend rewards or disciplinary action as the case

may be in favour or against a member, provided that such a member shall be

given due opportunity to defend himself and that the committee’s

recommendations shall be effected only after due approval by the State Executive

Council and provided further that offences considered to be serious professional

import shall be referred to the National body in the first place or after due

investigation and provided further that a member not satisfied with deposition at

the state or local level appeal to the National Executive Council.

(8). NATIONAL RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES AND DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL.

There shall be a National Rights, Privileges and Disciplinary Tribunal of the

Society herein before and after referred to as the Tribunal or NRPDT with the

following characteristics:

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(a) COMPOSITION

Three permanent members plus 2 ad-hoc members appointed in respect of the

case treated:

(i) A past president of N.S.P or any other senior member of the Society with at least

15 years post registration experience who shall be the Chairman.

(ii) Two other physiotherapists of at least 10 years professional experience.

(iii) One member from same State chapter / Local Unit as the member investigated.

(iv) One other member from the same affiliated Association interest group (if belongs

to any) as the member being investigated or any other member appointed by the

Executive Council.

(b) APPOINTMENT

The members of the Tribunal shall be appointed by the President on the

recommendation of the Executive Council.

(c) The National Rights, Privileges and Disciplinary Tribunal may act not

withstanding any vacancy in its membership and its proceeding shall not be

invalidated by any irregularly in the appointment of a member of the NRPDT, or,

by reason of the fact that any person who was not entitled to do so took part in

proceeding of the Tribunal.

(d) The term of office for every member shall be two years. No member shall be

entitled for re-election for more than two consecutive terms without a break of at

least, one year.

(e) (i) The Secretary of the NRPDT shall be the Assistant General Secretary or

any other person appointed by the NEC.

(ii) The Tribunal on receipt of such complaint shall convene within 8 weeks

(iii) NEC shall constitute itself into a disciplinary body and hear complaint and

pass judgment if the NRPDT is unwilling or unable to meet within 8 weeks

of receipt of a complaint. It the defendant or complaint is dissatisfied he

may appeal to the Annual General Meeting or to the President in writing

within three months of the decision of NEC.

(iv) The Chairman of the National Rights, Privileges and Disciplinary Tribunal

(NRPDT) shall not be a member of NEC or Expanded NEC

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(v) Where the Secretary NRPDT is absent, the NRPDT shall appoint a Secretary

from amongst its members to act as the Secretary of the meeting.

(vi) A Quorum is formed once 3 members of NRPDT are present.

(vii) Non-appearance of a member at the NRPDT when there is evidence that he

was in receipt of the letter of invitation or he as in the meeting where he

was referred to the committee or in possession of the minutes in which the

decision was taken shall be taken as contempt of the NRPDT, and NEC

shall have the right to take any disciplinary actions including those stated

in Article IX (4).

(viii) Walking out of the Tribunal or passing any derogatory remark against the

tribunal when the Tribunal is in session or out of session shall also

constitute contempt. The NEC shall have the right to take any disciplinary

actions including those stated in Article IX(4).

(9). (a) The NEC shall have the right by a 2/3 majority to discipline a State or FCT

Abuja Chapter or Local/Hospital Unit for whatever justifiable cause.

(b) An appeal shall be made in writing by the Chapter or Unit within three months

through the President and or General Secretary to the Annual General Meeting.

An appeal to the Annual General Meeting shall succeed if the appeal is upheld by

2/3 majority of voting members present at the Annual General Meeting. The

decision of AGM shall be final.

ARTICLE X:

LITIGATION

(a) No member shall institute any action in any law court on any matter that is

purely a Society’s matter without allowing the Society to adjudicate first in the

matter or without exhausting all constitutional provisions in seeking redress

within the Society. The president shall on receipt of notice such matter refer it to

the appropriate committee or where necessary constitute an ad-hoc committee to

review such and present its decision to NEC for ratification.

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(b) Any member who wishes to seek redress in any law court on issue that is purely

a Society’s matter after fulfilling the provisions in (X) (a) above shall take leave of

the Society to go to court of law by writing through the General Secretary to the

Executive Council.

(c) He shall be free to go to court if the Executive Council agrees with him that he

has fulfilled all constitutional provisions, or where there is incontrovertible

evidence that his letter was received by the Executive Council and no decision

was taken on his request after three months of receipts of the letter.

(d) The member seeking to take leave of the Society to go to court shall personally

ensure the receipt of his letter by the Executive Council.

(e) Notwithstanding the provision of Article VIII of this Constitution, any member

who in the opinion of NEC contravenes the provisions of Article X (a) and (b)

after ascertaining the fact shall immediately be subjected by NEC to the following

disciplinary actions:-

(i) He shall cease to represent the Society on anybody including State Chapter or

Local Unit anywhere.

(ii) He shall cease to hold any office at all levels of the Society and recognized

professional groups.

(iii) He shall be disqualified for life from contesting for any elective post in the Society.

(iii) Where there is court injunction, the above (X) (e) (i), (ii) and (iii) shall apply

immediately after the period of injunction or after the discharge of the injunction.

(f) Notwithstanding the above provisions, the Society may seek redress in any law

court where appropriate.

ARTICLE XI:

FEES, BANKING AND FINANCE

(1) The Society’s Financial year shall be from 1st September, to 31st August of the

following year.

(2) There shall be an initial registration fee, the amount of which shall be determined

by the Annual General Meeting from time to time for all the members

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(3) There shall be an annual subscription, the amount of which shall be determined

from time to time by the Annual General Meeting. And notice of increase should

be circulated immediately to all members and state chapters and there should be

enforcement and sanctions as stipulated by the Constitution.

(4) The subscription shall cover and the supply of the Society’s Journal to each paid

up member and to all trustees and honorary members.

(5) Should a member fail to pay up his subscription by the succeeding Annual

General Meeting, his privileges shall be withdrawn.

(6) Should a member owe the Society for three consecutive years without express

permission of the Council, membership shall be withdrawn.

(7) A person, who has had his membership withdrawn, shall be re-admitted into the

Society only after he has paid his outstanding debts and a reinstatement fee to be

decided by NEC.

(8) Fund may be raised in the form of a special levy when necessary.

(9) No member shall pay the Medical Rehabilitation Board annual practicing fees

without getting clearance from the Society.

(10) Clearance shall be in the form of a letter from the Executive Council or receipt of

payment of annual Society subscription fees.

(11) State branches shall be entitled to a certain percentage or fraction of the total

amount realized from the State Chapter. This amount will be from time to time

decided by NEC.

(12) Money belonging to the Society shall be deposited by the National Treasurer in a

duly licensed viable bank in Nigeria or Abroad in accordance with the directive of

N.E.C. All Cheques drawn on the Society’s bank account shall be signed by The

President and any one of the following officers of the society:-

(a) The National General Secretary

(b) The National Treasurer.

ARTICLE XII:

NATIONAL OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY

1. National Officers of the Society shall constitute its Executive Council

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2. Officers of the Society shall consist of:-

(a) President (b) Vice President (c) National General Secretary (d) Assistant National General Secretary (e) National Treasurer (f) National Financial Secretary (g) National Public Relations Officer (h) Assistant National Public Relations Officer (I) (i) Assistant National Public Relations Officer (II) (j) National Auditor (I) (k) National Auditor(II) (j) Ex-Officio member(I) (the immediate past President of the Society.) (l) Ex-Officio member(II) (the immediate past National General Secretary)

3. All officers shall serve in a purely honorary capacity.

4. The Executive Council shall serve for two calendar years and shall be elected by

secret ballot if there are more than one candidate contesting a post.

5. The Executive Council shall draw up a meeting roster stating venue, date and

time

6. The Executive shall, however meet not less than four(4) times a year

7. Five(5) members of the National Executive Council shall form a quorum.

8. Should voting become necessary during an Executive council meeting, all Executive

members has one vote each. In the event of a tie, the President (and in his

absence), the Vice-president shall cast an extra vote (deciding vote) to take a

decision.

9. The outcome of voting which is by simple majority automatically becomes the joint

decision of the NEC and becomes binding on members.

10. The order of precedence in the Society shall be in the following descending order:-

(i) President (ii) Vice President (iii) National General Secretary (iv) National Treasurer (v) National Financial Secretary (vi) National Public Relations Officer(PRO)

21

(vii) Assistant National General Secretary (viii) Assistant National Public Relations Officer I (ix) Assistant National Public Relations Officer II (x) Auditors I (xi) Auditor II (xii) Ex-Officio member I (xiii) Ex- Officio member II

(a) In the event of the office of the President of the Society becoming vacant during

his tenure, the Vice-President shall immediately assume the post of the President

pending a bye-election during the next General Meeting.

(b) In the event of that any other office being vacant, NEC shall appoint a member to

fill the vacancy in acting capacity pending bye-election of a substantive officer

during the next General Meeting.

(c) All officer elected via bye-election are only to complete the remaining tenure of

that office and shall terminate at the expiration of the tenure of that

administration.

ARTICLE XIII:

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS

1. All posts shall be for a term of two years (unless the post arose from a by-election

in which he/she shall complete the tenure of his/her predecessor) and shall be

decided by simple majority of all eligible voting members present at the Annual

General Meeting.

2. Appointment may be renewed if re-elected at the Annual General Meeting but no

officer shall serve for more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

3. Any post will be declared vacant upon resignation of the holder or upon removal

by two third majority of all voting members present at a General Meeting.

4. There shall be appointed two Assistant National Publicity Secretaries and their

election shall not be based on geographical location

5. There shall be appointed two National Auditors and their election shall not be based on

geographical location

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ARTICLE XIV:

QUALIFICATIONS FOR NOMINATION

1. Nominees to the various posts should have paid their dues up-to-date.

2. The Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees shall be candidates that have

registered with the Society for a period of not less than fifteen (15) years, while

the General Secretary, Treasurer, Financial-Secretary, Public Relations Officer

and Auditors shall have registered for a period of not less than ten (10) years.

3. The nominees to the post Assistant General Secretary and Assistant Public

Relations Officer should have registered with the Society for a period of not less

than five years.

4. Nominees to various posts should have paid their NSP and board dues up-to-date

i.e without any outstanding dues/levies.

ARTICLE XV:

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

The duties of the National Officers are as specified below:

1. PRESIDENT

The President shall be the Chief Executive of the Society and among others things

shall:

(a) Preside over all meetings of the Society.

(b) The President in consultation with the NEC shall interpret the constitution and

bye-laws and decide any doubtful points.

(c) The President shall, as the head of the Society, be responsible for coordination of

the activities of all groups and sections to further the interest of the Society.

(d) The President shall be the Chief Spokesperson of the Society.

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(e) The President shall take decision and act as deemed necessary on behalf of the

Society in between meetings of the NEC, in all manner of matters for the benefit

and in the best interest of the Society but shall report such decision(s) to the NEC

as and when due. He shall consult regularly with the other officers on such

issues.

(f) The President shall present an Annual Report and when necessary

supplementary budget(s) for approval by NEC.

(g) The President shall authorize all expenditures exceeding the imprest limit which

shall be determined by NEC from time to time.

(h) Preside at all meetings of the Society, Executive and Committee meeting including

the Annual General Meeting.

(i) Advise the General Secretary on when to call meetings.

(j) The President shall be an Ex-officio member in all committee of the Society.

(k) The President can appoint any person present at a meeting to act as Secretary for

that particular meeting, in the absence of the General Secretary and his

assistant.

2. VICE PRESIDENT

(a) The Vice-President shall carry out the duties of the President in his or her

absence.

(b) To carry out such other duties as may be assigned by the President.

(c) To initiate, promote and implement programmes/projects in line with the

goal of the society, with the approval of the President and NEC.

3. NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY

a. To update register of the members and be custodian of all records, books,

documents and properties belongings to the Society.

b. To take the minutes and proceedings of General Executive Council meetings of

the Society.

c. To present a full report of year’s proceedings to the Annual General Meeting.

d. To carry out official Correspondence of the Society.

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e. To issue a Certificate of Membership/ Registration with the NSP duly signed by

the President and General Secretary to every registered member of the Society.

f. He shall notify new officers of their elections.

g. He shall arrange with President the order of proceeding at meetings and shall be

responsible for the general management of the secretariat of the Society.

h. The General Secretary may delegate responsibilities to the Assistant Secretary.

i. The General Secretary shall operate an imprest Account to be determined by the

NEC.

4. ASSISTANT NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY

(a) To act on behalf of the General Secretary in his absence.

(b) To carry out such other duties as may be assigned to him by the General

Secretary.

(c) He shall act as the secretary to the National Rights, Privileges and Disciplinary

Tribunal.

(d) He shall acts as the Secretary to Standing Committee where their appointed

Secretaries are absent.

e) He shall assist the National Secretary to compile and update at regular interval,

the correspondent e-mail addresses and phone numbers of all members of the

society and make same available for utilization by the Secretariat

(f) He shall assist the National Secretary to compile and update register of

physiotherapy facilities and compile data base of unemployed physiotherapists

and any other database that the National Secretary might deem necessary, at

regular interval and make the information available to the Secretariat for

utilization and necessary action.

5. NATIONAL TREASURER

(a) To receive, collect and keep all monies paid to the Society and pay all

disbursement.

(b) To sign jointly with the President and the National General Secretary all

withdrawal Cheques from the Society’s bank account as in Article XI.

(c) To present and circulate Audited Financial Report to NEC quarterly and to AGM.

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(d) To make all accounts available for examination by the Auditors.

(e) To pay all monies received by the Society‘s account within seven days.

(f) To compile and submit authentic voters list (i.e. comprehensive list of members

who have paid their dues for the current year and are not owing subscription or

other levies) at the Annual General Conference.

(g) He or she can also act for Financial Secretary in his or her absence.

6. NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY

(a) To keep on an accurate record of all receipts and expenditures of the Society.

(b) To prepare an Annual Budget for the Society.

(c) To issue correspondence to members on their financial position at least once a

year.

(d) To collect all monies on behalf of the Society and issue receipts and pay same to

the National Treasurer.

(e) He or she can also act for National Treasurer in his or her absence.

(f) He or she shall collate and prepare an Annual Budget for consideration by NEC.

7. NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (PRO)

(a) To publicize the activities of the Society through any medium of information

which might be deemed suitable in any given occasion and secure ratification

from the President or NSP/NEC.

(b) To be responsible for good corporate image of the Society.

(c) To play the major role in all social affairs relating to the Society.

(d) He or she shall publish or issue releases in all manner of matters as to project

the activities of the Society.

8. ASSISTANT NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER I

(a) In the absence of the Public Relations Officer, he or she shall perform his/her

duties.

(b) To assist and co-operate with the Public Relations Officer in his or her duties.

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(c) The Assistant public relation officer I shall facilitate advocacy and community

outreach programmes i.e. initiates, support and ensure proper implementation of

various advocacy programmes/community outreach projects in conjunction with the

PRO and the approval of the President and the NEC.

(d) To perform such other duties incidental to the office of Assistant PRO or as may be

assigned to him or her by the PRO.

9. ASSISTANT NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER II

(a) In the absence of the Public Relations Officer, he or she shall perform his/her

duties.

(b) To assist and co-operate with the Public Relations Officer in his or her duties.

(c) The Assistant public relation officer II shall facilitate advocacy and community

outreach programmes i.e. initiates, support and ensure proper implementation of

various advocacy programmes/community outreach projects in conjunction with the

PRO and the approval of the President and the NEC.

(d) To perform such other duties incidental to the office of Assistant PRO or as may be

assigned to him or her by the PRO.

10. NATIONAL INTERNAL AUDITOR I

(a) To audit the account and property of the Society as and when necessary.

(b) To submit a report of the Society’s account and properties to NEC annually.

(c) However, NEC shall have the right to invite an External Auditor (s) to audit the

Society account if and when necessary.

11. NATIONAL INTERNAL AUDITOR II

(a) In the absence of the National Internal Auditor I, to perform his/her duties.

(b) To perform all duties incidental to the office of National Auditor I or as may be

assigned to him or her by the Auditor I.

(c) However, NEC shall have the right to invite an External Auditor (s) to audit the

Society account if and when necessary.

12. EX-OFFICIO I

(a) They shall act as think-tank concerning the activities of the immediate past

executive.

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(b) They shall act as the research officers/archivists of the Society.

(c) They shall act as provost at all meetings and shall ensure orderliness thereof.

13. EX-OFFICIO II

(a) They shall act as think-tank concerning the activities of the immediate past

executive.

(b) They shall act as the research officers/archivists of the Society.

(c) They shall act as provost at all meetings and shall ensure orderliness thereof

ARTICLE XVI:

STATE (CHAPTER), HOSPITAL(UNIT) AND SPECIAL NTEREST GROUPS

(a) Members of the Society practicing and/ or resident in any State or Federal

Capital Territory(FCT) of Nigeria shall have the right to constitute themselves into

a State or FCT chapter or hospital unit of the Society.

(b) A state chapter or hospital unit shall be bound by the provision of the

constitution of the Society and shall have the right to make Rules and

Regulations (or bye laws) to regulate its functions provided such rules and

regulations are not in conflict with any part of the constitution or other rules of

the society.

(c) In addition to state chapter or hospital unit, group(s) of Physiotherapists with

special interest can form special professional group(s). Such group(s) shall be an

Affiliate of the Society at all times. Such affiliated professional group shall also be

bound by the Constitution of the Society but shall also have the right to make

“Rules and Regulations” (or bye laws) for their functions provided such rules and

regulations are not in conflict with the Constitution of the Society. All state

chapters, hospital units and special interest groups’ nomenclature or names shall

reflect the word ‘Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy’.

(d) NEC may from time to time authorize the formation of or the dissolution of

special groups of members having distinctive professional interests and being by

reason either of their paucity of numbers or of their local distribution unable to

obtain adequate representative of those interest through the chapter and units.

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(e) A group may appeal against a decision of NEC to the Annual General Meeting

whose decision shall be final.

(f) The most of application for the formation of any special group and the means of

ascertaining the view of the members thereof on matters affecting their said

interest shall be such as NEC may from time to time determine, and the NEC

may provide for such meetings of any such special groups therefore and for the

attendance of representatives thereof at meetings of the NEC or for the purpose of

explaining such views unless otherwise stated herein this Constitution.

(g) When there exist a conflict between the Constitution and Rules and Regulations

(Bye-laws) of state chapter, hospital unit or special interest group, the

Constitution shall supersede.

(h) The NEC shall have the power to group State and FCT Chapters into divisions or

zones for the purposes of ease of administration and organization and

coordinating officer(s) appointed for them by the NEC.

(i) All the provision of this Constitution that apply to the State chapters shall apply

to the (FCT) Chapter

(j) The NEC shall have power to dissolve any State, FCT Chapter or Special Interest

Group Executives Council which fails to conduct an Annual General Meeting and

or election of its officers four(4) months after the tenure of office of such

Executive Council had expired.

(k) On dissolution of the State, FCT Chapter or Special Interest Group’s Executive

Council, by the NEC, the NEC shall appoint a caretaker committee to conduct an

Annual General Meeting and or election of the State, FCT Chapter or Special

Interest Group’s officers within four(4) months of its appointments.

(l) Any decision of any State, FCT Chapter or Special Interest Group which conflicts

with the Constitution shall, to the extent of that conflict be null and void and of

no affect.

(m) Each State/FCT Chapter or Special Interest Group shall hold Annual General

Meeting within 4 months after the Annual General Meetings of the National Body.

This meeting shall, amongst other things, conduct the election of the officers and

its representatives.

(n) Each State, FCT Chapter and Special Interest Group shall give a written report of

its activities at the Annual General Meeting of the National Body.

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(o) For the purpose of the Constitution, physiotherapists residing at Abuja shall

constitute themselves into a group with the status of the Federal Capital Territory

Chapter, hereinbefore and after referred to as FCT or FCT Abuja Chapter.

ARTICLE XVII:

OFFICERS OF THESTATE CHAPTERS /LOCAL UNITS AND SPECIAL

INTERST GROUPS

(a) The Chapter, Hospital Unit and Special Interest Group Officers shall be :

(i) A State (Chapter), Hospital Unit or Group Chairman.

(ii) A State (Chapter), Hospital Unit or Group Secretary.

(iii) A State (Chapter), Hospital Unit or Group Treasurer.

(iv) Any other officer as may be required for the smooth conduct of its affairs.

(b) The terms of office for all offices shall be in tandem with as stated in Article XV

(c) No member of any State Chapter, Hospital Unit and Special Interest Group shall

hold the same office for more than two consecutive terms of two years each

without break of at least a year.

ARTICLE XVIII:

NATIONAL COUNCILS OF THE NSP.

(A) NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL(NEC) OR CORE NEC

1(a). There shall be a National Executive Council of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy.

The National Executive Council hereinbefore and hereinafter referred to as the NEC or the

Council, as constituted, is the most active governing body of the Nigeria Society of

Physiotherapy saddled with the day-to-day running of the NSP and shall have full

powers to act on its behalf in the period between the Annual General Meetings in

accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Society unless otherwise stated

herein in this constitution. The NEC shall exercise all powers ascribed to it in any part of

this Constitution.

1b. Composition of the NEC.

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Members of the National Executive Council whose powers and duties are stated ARTICLE

XII and XV shall consist of:

(a) The President (b) The Vice President (d) National General Secretary (e) Assistant National General Secretary (f) National Treasurer (g) National Financial Secretary (h) National Public relation Officer (i) Assistant National Public Relation officer I ( j) Assistant National Public Relation officer II (k) National Internal Auditor I (l) National Internal Auditor II (m) National Ex-Officio I (n) National Ex-Officio II

2 The NEC shall have powers to co-opt any member to any of its deliberations, but

such a member shall have no vote unless otherwise stated herein in this

Constitution.

3 (a) Five(5) of the membership of the council shall form a quorum.

(b) Any decision taken at this meeting/congress shall be binding on every member

of the society.

4. The N.E.C shall have the power to hire services of legal practitioner(s) on

honorarium to advice on all legal matters.

5. N.E.C shall have power to make bye-laws to regulate its own function but it shall

make recommendations to the Annual General Meeting in respect of general

applicability to the whole Society.

6. N.E.C shall have power to appoint ad-hoc committees/bodies. If the ad-hoc

committee/body constituted does not perform after one year of its existence, it

shall stand dissolved and may be re-constituted as may be deemed necessary by

the NEC. Members shall be subjected to unlimited re- appointments. The terms of

reference and the live span of each ad-hoc body shall be determined by Council.

7. The N.E.C shall be elected at the Annual General Conference/Meeting and shall

serve for two years. Any council member may be re-elected.

8. The N.E.C shall be the policy-making body of the Society. All decisions taken in

the council shall be conveyed to the General Meeting of the Society.

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9. In the event of resignation or unavoidable absence of a member, the council has

the power to fill the vacancy on acting capacity or by a bye election until the term

of office of the original member expires.

10. The council shall meet not less than four(4) times in each financial year.

11. Any member absent for three consecutive meeting without valid excuse or leave of

absence will be suspended from the Council.

12. The N.E.C may suspend any committee and make interim arrangements for its

functions pending is dissolution at the Annual General Conference.

(B) EXPANDED NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (ENEC)

1. This is a form of enlarged NEC. The NEC shall have the power to call meeting of

the ENEC if it deemed it necessary and appropriate to do so.

2. One third(1/3), approximated to nearest higher whole number of the total

number of expected members shall form a quorum.

3. The following shall be the composition of the ENEC :

(a) Members of the Core NEC.

(b) Chairmen of the Standing Committees of the NSP as follows :

(i) Chairman, Education Committee

(ii) Chairman, Research, Journals and Publications Committee

(iii) Chairman, Conferences and International Affairs Committee

(iv) Chairman, Establishment Committee

(v) Chairman, Research, Professional Practice and Ethics Committee

(vi) Chairman, National Committee on Awards and Honours

(vii) Chairman, Committee of Heads of Physiotherapy Departments in

Nigeria(CHOPDIN)

(viii) Chairman, Committee of Private Physiotherapy Practitioners of Nigeria

(CPPPN).

(C) SPECIAL DELEGATE CONGRESS(SDC)

1. This is further enlargement of the Expanded NEC. The NEC shall have the power

to call meeting of the SDC to consider issue(s) the NEC feels needs such

consultation to take decision. A one month notice shall be sufficient for this

meeting. Important issue(s) to be discussed shall be communicated in the notice.

2. The following shall be the composition of the SDC :

(a). Members of the Expanded NEC as constituted in Article XVIII(B)3 above plus :

32

(b) (i) The Chairman or designee of each of the State Chapters.

(ii) One Representative of each group of the special interest groups of NSP.

(iii) The Registrar of Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board on the

condition that he is a physiotherapist.

(iv) Registrar of the National Postgraduate Physiotherapy College of Nigeria(NPPCN).

(v) N.S.P’s representative to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy

(vi) Heads of Physiotherapy Training Institutions in Nigeria or their representatives.

(vii) Chairman or designee of the Committee of Heads Of Physiotherapy

Departments In Nigeria(CHOPDIN).

(viii). Chairman or designee of the National Rights, Privileges and Disciplinary Tribunal

of the NSP.

(D) NATIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL (NGC) OF THE NSP.

1. This is further highest enlargement of the NEC. The NEC shall have the power to

call meeting of the NGC to consider issue(s) the NEC in its wisdom, feels warrants

such consultation for Council to take decision in between AGM. A one month

notice shall be sufficient for this meeting. Important issue(s) to be discussed shall

be communicated in the notice.

2. The following shall be the composition of the NGC :

(a) Special Delegate Congress as constituted in article XVIII(C) above plus other

dignitaries as follows :

(i) The Secretaries or representatives of State Chapters.

(ii) Chairman, Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria, on the

condition that he is a physiotherapist.

(iii) Secretary and other principal officers of the Committee of Heads Of

Physiotherapy Departments In Nigeria (CHOPDIN).

(iv) President/Chairman, and other principal officers of the National

Postgraduate Physiotherapy College of Nigeria(NPPCN).

(v) Secretary of the National Rights, Privileges and Disciplinary Tribunal

(v) Chairmen and secretaries of all ad-hoc committees.

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ARTICLE XIX:

STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE NEC

1. The standing committees of the NGC shall consist of: -

(a) Professional Practice and Ethics Committee

(b) Establishments Committee.

(c) Conferences and International Affairs Committee.

(d) Education Committee

(e) Research, Journals and Publications Committee

(f) National Committee on Awards and Honours

(g) Committee of Heads of Departments.

(h) Committee of Physiotherapy Private Practitioners of Nigeria (PPPN).

2. Chairpersons of the Committees shall be appointed after the Annual General

Meeting/Conference and shall serve for the duration of the life of the Council.

Any Committee member may be reappointed. A member of NEC may be appointed

to be a Chairperson of a Standing Committee if the President believes the member

of the NEC could perform this function of the Committee creditably well.

3. (a) All Committee Chairpersons/members shall perform all duties as stated in the

terms of reference on their letter of appointment.

(b) All Committees are responsible to the President in Council to which they will

submit written annual reports.

4. One third(approximated to nearest whole number) of the member of any

Committee shall form a quorum’

5. A Committee Chairperson shall constitute a Committee of not less than two and

not more than five persons to work with him.

6. A Secretary shall be selected from amongst the members of each committee.

34

7. A committee shall have power to co-opt up to two extra members into the

Committee by unanimous vote only.

ARTICLE XX:

TRUSTEES OF THE SOCIETY

1. (A) Six Trustees shall be appointed from amongst members of the Society at

an Annual General Meeting of the Society.

(B) Two Trustees shall retire every ten years in order of their appointment or

through lot; if two more were appointed at the same time.

(C) Every Trustee shall be informed at the time of his appointment of his

tenure as a Trustee.

(D) The retiring Trustee shall not qualify for a reappointment without a break

of three years.

(E) The retired Trustee shall be replaced at an Annual General Meeting of the

Society.

2. The Trustees (herein after and before referred to as “the Trustees”) shall be

known as “The Registered Trustees of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy".

3. All properties of the Society freehold or leasehold and other interest in land

acquired for the use and benefit of the Society shall be vested in them.

4. The Trustees shall deal with the properties of the Society as directed in writing by

NEC.

5. In the event of the death, resignation or removal of a Trustee, the next Annual

General Meeting will appoint a replacement.

6. The Trustee shall apply for Certificate of incorporation under part C of the

Companies and Allied Matters Decree No 1 of 1990 and as be subsequently

amended whenever required.

7. A Trustee shall cease to hold office if he;

(a) Resign his office

(b) Ceases to be a member of NSP

35

(c) Becomes mentally, physically or otherwise incapacitated.

(d) Is officially declared bankrupt.

(e) Is convicted of a criminal offence including dishonesty by a Court of

competent jurisdiction.

(f) Is removed from office by a majority Vote of Financial members present at

an Annual General Meeting.

(g) Ceases to reside in Nigeria.

(h) Dies.

8. The Trustees shall have a common seal which shall be kept in the custody of the

National General Secretary who shall produce it when required for use by the

Trustees.

9. All documents to be executed by the Trustees shall be signed by at least three (3)

of them and sealed with the Common Seal.

10. If the Certificate of Incorporation is granted, the Trustee shall have to accept and

hold on Trust all land belonging to the Society and to acquire land on behalf of

the Society to such conditions as the Government of Nigeria may impose from

time to time.

ARTICLE XXI:

COMMITTEE OF PAST PRESIDENTS

There shall be a Committee of past Presidents and it shall consist of:-

(a) (i) The incumbent President as Chairman.

(ii) Immediate Past President.

(iii) All past Presidents.

(iv) Current General Secretary shall be a co-opted member and shall serve as

Secretary.

(b) The Committee shall meet when the need arises to advise the President and /

NSP on any matter.

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(c) The President shall appoint the Assistant General Secretary to serve as the

Secretary of the meeting where the National General Secretary is absent or

unable to attend the meeting.

ARTICLE XXII:

REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

1. Any Executive Officer found to have committed culpable offence under the

Constitution shall be suspended by a motion supported by two-thirds majority

vote of members present at a General Meeting. Voting shall be by secret ballot

and members shall vote individually. Following such a decision, the officer shall

remain suspended and the matter referred to the National Rights, Privileges and

Disciplinary Tribunal which shall investigate the matter giving the officer a fair

opportunity to defend himself.

The recommendation of the Tribunal shall be subject to approval of a General

Meeting. The decision reached at a General Meeting shall take immediate effect

until otherwise appealed and re-considered by the Annual General Meeting(AGM).

2. Where the decision is taken at a General Meeting, an appeal may be made to the

next Annual General Meeting in writing and submitted to the President and /or

Secretary-General within three months or before the next Annual General

Meeting whichever is earlier. The decision of the Annual General Meeting shall be

final.

ARTICLE XXIII:

MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY

The Society’s meetings are categorized into the following:-

(1) EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (EXCO) MEETING:

(a) Shall be held in accordance with a mutual meeting roster drawn up by the

members of the Executive Council or in emergencies. Five(5) members shall

form a quorum in as much as the President(or designee) and General

Secretary(or designee) and in attendance. Decision made by simple

37

majority of the members present at the meeting shall be deemed as

decision jointly made by all the members at the meeting and is binding on

all members.

(b) Such meeting shall be held not less than four (4) times in one financial

year.

(c) It is mandatory for every member of EXCO to attend EXCO meetings. When

a member would not attend, he or she shall communicate same to the

President and or the National Secretary, stating the reason(s) for the

envisaged absence at least fourty eight (48) hours prior to the day of the

meeting.

(c) Every Executive Council member owe NSP a duty to attend at least one

third of the total number of EXCO meetings held during a financial year.

Failure to do this, the Executive council shall have the power to pass a

‘vote of no confidence’ on such an officer of the NSP at any of their meetings

by simple majority of the vote cast.

(d) Once a vote of no confidence is passed on an officer, the EXCO shall report

such to the immediate subsequent AGM of the society which shall declare

his or her post vacant. Such vacant post shall be filled at same AGM in

accordance with the relevant provisions of the constitution.

(2) EMERGENCY GENERAL MEETING:-

(a) Shall be held in case of emergencies at any time of the year.

(b) The meeting shall involve the general members of the Society.

(c) Main agenda for the meeting shall be communicated in the notice which

shall include the venue and time of the meeting.

(3). EDUCATIONAL OR SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS:-

(a) The Society may organize Educational meetings, workshops etc, as the council

shall determine for the purposes of lectures, demonstration, exhibitions and general

discussion.

(b) NEC shall state the venue, theme and duration of such programme(s).

(4). ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING:-

38

(a) General Meeting shall be held at any time when necessary at such time and

place as the NEC may direct.

(b) The Chief purpose of the general meeting shall be stated in the notice of

meeting.

(c) Vacancies in offices can be filled at AGM or OGM

(5) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM):-

(a) Shall be held within not more than three months of the end of the Financial

Year and shall be the highest decision-making organ of the Society.

(b) Shall have powers to resolve appeals or matters referred to it by the NEC,

Executive Council or National Rights, Privileges and Disciplinary Tribunal.

(c) Shall have powers to exercise any power or duties ascribed to it in any part

of the Constitution.

(d) Shall be constituted of the NEC and other members of the Society.

(e) The quorum shall be one-third of the members registered for the

Conference/Meetings.

(f). Decisions reached at this meeting is final and binding on all members. No

other meeting(s) of the Society shall have the power to upturn the decision

of an AGM. However, decision of an AGM can be re-considered at another

AGM.

ARTICLE XXIV:

CONDUCT OF GENERAL ELECTION

1. All members shall, subject to the provisions of Article VI of the constitution, be

eligible to contest election to any office, provided that no member may contest

more than one office.

2. The provisions of Article VI section (1) as they apply to any candidate for election

shall also apply to any proposer or/ and seconder of a candidate for election to

any office of the Society.

39

3. Notice shall be given by the General Secretary of the Society for nominations to

all National office at least 8 weeks before the date fixed for any the Biennial

General Conference counted from the date of dispatch.

4. Such nominations shall be on specified forms and shall disclose the title of the

office, name of candidate and his signature, and the names and signatures of his

proposer and seconder as well as a brief resume of the candidate listing previous

activities within the Society and the Profession.

5. Nomination forms shall be designed by the General Secretary and approved by

NEC, and made available at the National Secretariat of all State Chapters and the

Federal (FCT) Chapter.

6. Nomination forms duly completed, shall be mailed, sent, or brought in sealed

envelopes marked “CONFIDENTIAL ELECTION” and addressed to the General

Secretary at the National Secretariat to reach him not later than 1400 hours

(2.00pm) Nigerian Time on the specified closing date that shall be communicated.

Each envelope shall be stamped on the day it is received and kept intact until

vetting day.

7. Nomination shall close three (3) days before the date of AGM .

8. Any postponement of the Annual General Conference/ Meeting or Biennial

General Meeting after the closing date shall not invalidate these nominations and

the closing date as set out in the first notice or/and announcement.

9. Opening of nomination envelopes shall take place at 1600 hours (4.00 p.m)

Nigerian Time on the closing date. At the time the General Secretary or Assistant

Secretary shall in the presence of at least one other National Officer open all the

envelopes received before closing and thence make a compilation of all candidates

duly nominated, their sponsors and the offices for which they are nominated and

brief resume on each as contained in the nomination form.

Nothing shall preclude interested candidates being present or represented at the

vetting. The compiled list for all properly completed nomination forms shall be

signed by all National vetting officers.

10. Any postponement of the opening of the nomination envelopes shall not in any

way invalidate these nominations and closing date.

11. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article XXIV, a candidate can stand for an

election if three members physically present at an Annual Meeting can sign his

nomination at least one hour, before the commencement of election.

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12. During an election, members present shall have the right to propose and second

any candidate to any vacant post, where there is no validly nominated candidate

at the close of the nominations, failure of which the post shall be declared

unoccupied and to be filled later in accordance with the relevant provisions of the

constitution.

13. Before the commencement of the elections, members present at the Annual

General Meeting shall appoint a Returning Officer whose duty shall be to conduct

the election as laid down by the Constitution of the Society. The appointment

shall be by nomination and if required by voting.

14. The National President shall, following the appointment of the Returning Officer

immediately dissolve National Executive Council.

15. The Returning Officer so nominated or elected shall not be a candidate for any

post at the election.

16. Every elected officer shall hold office immediately after the conclusion of the

election in the year of his election until the dissolution of the N.E.C.

17. Election of officers shall be by the secret ballot.

18. A list of members who satisfy all their financial obligations to the Society for the

year shall be compiled by the National Treasurer and submitted to the National

President for the purpose of the election. Only financial members whose names

appear on the list are eligible to vote (with proviso to voting delegates) and / or

stand for election.

Voting Delegates:-

Only delegates from the state chapters will be eligible to vote and only financial

members will be delegates. State chapters shall appoint voting delegates drawn from

population her financial up-to-date members.

Population of financially up-to-date members in any state shall be distributed as stated

below :

1-5 Physiotherapists 1 voting delegate

6 – 10 ,, 2 voting delegates

11-15 ,, 3 voting delegates

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16-2O ,, 4 voting delegates

21-25 ,, 5 voting delegates

26-30 ,, 6 voting delegates

31-35 ,, 7 voting delegates

36-40 ,, 8 voting delegates

41-45 ,, 9 voting delegates

46-50 ,, 10 voting delegates

51- and ABOVE 10 voting delegates

19. Any candidate validly nominated and seconded for an election shall be declared

elected unopposed if there is no other validly nominated opposing candidate for

the office at the close of nominations. In the case of opposing candidates, winner

shall be determined by a simple majority vote. The tenure of office of the elected

unopposed candidate(s) shall commence with other elected officers immediately

after the conclusion of the election until the dissolution of the NEC.

20. If for whatever reason, election of officers becomes inconclusive and no President

emerges, the most senior National Officer elected as per order of precedence as in

Article XII (a) shall become the Acting President for not more than three months

within which another election shall be conducted to fill the vacancy.

The nominations and closing date as set out in the first notice or/ and

announcement shall remain valid.

21. If for whatever reason, the elections cannot be held within three months, a past

President who shall be a Fellow of the NSP shall run the affairs of the Society in

acting capacity for nine months within which elections into vacant offices shall be

held in the next Annual or Biennial General Meeting.

Fresh nominations shall be called in accordance with the constitution. The most

senior past President with FNSP alive in terms of the year of service and present

in Nigeria shall be the Acting National President.

22. Any candidate who is validly nominated and absent from the venue of the election

shall be voted for in absentia.

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23. Conduct of election into offices shall be in the reverse order of precedence and

announcement thereof. That is the Presidential election result shall be

announced last. The Returning Officer shall handover the records of voting and

results of the election to the President who shall in turn hand them over to the

General Secretary for safe-keeping as part of the Society’s permanent record.

24 All contestants shall present their individual manifesto whether opposed or

unopposed.

ARTICLE XXV:

HONORARY AWARDS

1. Roll of Fellow’s of the Society (FNSP)

(a) Fellowship of the Society shall be the highest honour bestowed on members

whose services in the interest of the Society and of the physiotherapy

profession, have been outstanding and merit special recognition.

(b) Any member or group of members may nominate to Honours and Awards

Committee through its Secretary, a member or members to be considered

for approval for the award of the Fellow of the Nigeria Society of

Physiotherapy (FNSP). Any nominee shall attach his/her curriculum vitae

including his/her contributions to the society in writing through the

Secretary to the Honours and Awards Committee.

(c.) A serving President shall not be eligible to be nominated for the honour of the

Fellow of the NSP. A past President can only be nominated for

consideration for award of FNSP after two years of leaving office.

(d) The nomination shall be approved in the first instance by at least two

thirds of the total number of voting membership of the National Executive

Council. In which case, every member may vote either in person or by

proxy.

(e) The name of the nominees shall finally be ratified at the an Annual General

Meeting, AGM by two-thirds majority of voting members present at the

Meetings provided in each case 2/3 shall be approximated to the nearest

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higher whole number. The Recipient thereafter be presented with a

certificate and decorated with a GOLD MEDAL, at an immediate

subsequent Annual General Meeting/Conference.

(f) In any one year, the Annual General Meeting shall not confer more than

five(5) FNSP on members. If for any reason award of FNSP is not decided in

any one year, allotment for that year is forfeited and cannot be recovered

retrospectively.

(g) Fellows may be appointed post- humously.

(h) A special Register of Fellows shall be maintained.

(i) There shall be a Hall of Fame of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy in the

National Secretariat of the Society. The name of the Fellows of the Society

shall be listed in this Hall.

2. National Roll of Honour

(a) The Society shall keep a roll of honour of its member who have been

outstanding and merit such recognition as FNSP.

(b) Nominations shall be made to Honours & Awards Committees. Approval or

otherwise will be required by at least two-thirds of members present at an

A.G.M.

(c) A certificate/Certifying letter shall be issued by the NEC to a member so

honored. '

(d) A special register shall be maintained of such honoured members.

(e) Not more than five members shall be put on the Roll of Honour at any one

year.

3. State Roll of Honour

(a) Every State chapter shall keep a roll of Honour of its members who have

been outstanding and merit special recognition. This shall be the highest

Honour granted to members at the State level.

(b) The state chapter Executive Council shall have authority to consider the

nomination of any State chapter member to be put on the Roll of Honour.

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The nomination shall be approved by 2/3 majority of the total membership

of the voting members of the State chapter provided that 2/3 shall be

approximated to the nearest higher whole number.

(c) Not more than five members shall be put on the Roll of Honour at any one

year.

(d) A certificate/Certifying letter shall be issued by the State Executive Council

to a member so honoured.

(e) A special Register of members on State Roll of Honour shall be maintained.

4. NSP National Award of Recognition.

a. Members of the Society (and non members alike) who, in the opinion of the

Society, have distinguished themselves in areas of endeavours may be so

honoured with the award, the nomenclature of which shall reflect the area of

their impactful endeavours.

b. Nominations shall be made to Honors & Awards Committees. Approval or

otherwise will be required by at least two-thirds (approximated to the nearest

higher whole number) of members present at a General Meeting.

c. A certificate/Certifying letter shall be issued by the NEC to a individuals so

honored. '

d. A special register shall be maintained of such honored individuals.

5. NSP National Certificate of Recognition.

a. Members of the Society( and non members alike) who, in the opinion of the

Society, have distinguished themselves in areas of endeavours may be so

honoured with certificate of recognition, the nomenclature of which shall reflect

the area of their impactful endeavours.

b. Nominations shall be made to Honours & Awards Committee. Approval or

otherwise will be required by at least two-thirds( approximated to the nearest

higher whole number) of members present at a National Executive Council (NEC)

Meeting.

c. A certificate shall be issued by the NEC to a individuals so honoured.

d. A special register shall be maintained of such honoured individuals.

6. If for any reason conferment of award could not take place as scheduled after the

list of awardee(s) had been duly ratified, this shall not in any way nullify the list.

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7. National Honours and Awards Committee.

(a) There shall be a Standing Committee on Honours and Awards comprising

of five members:-

(i) A past President of N.S.P or any other reputable senior member of the

Society with at least 15 years post registration experience.

(ii) A past General Secretary

(iii) Current General Secretary to serve as member/secretary

(iv) Two other members each with not less than 10 years of professional

physiotherapy practice.

ARTICLE XXVI:

REPRESENTATION ON OTHER BODIES

(A) The NEC shall have power to elect all the Representatives of the Society on the

Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria in accordance with procedures

as may be laid down from time to time by the Council.

(B) N.E.C shall also have power to elect representatives of the Society to any other

bodies where the Society is required to be represented in accordance with

provisions of the Constitution, but may delegate such responsibility to the State

Executive Council.

(C) The duration of such representation shall be decided by the National Executive

Council.

ARTICLE XXVII:

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

1. The income and real property of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy whatsoever

derived shall be applied exclusively towards the promotion of the aims and

objectives of the Society as contained in Article II of this Constitution, and no

part or portion thereof shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of

dividend, bonus, or otherwise however by way of profit to members of the Society.

46

2. Provided that nothing herein shall prevent the payment, in good faith, or

reasonable and proper remuneration to an officer or servant of the Society, in

return for any services actually rendered to the Society but so that no member of

the Council of management of Governing body shall be appointed to any salaried

office of the Society or any office of the Society paid by fees, or that no

remuneration or other benefit in money, shall be given by the Society to any

member of such Council or Governing Body except repayment of out of pocket

expenses or reasonable and proper rent for premises demised, or let to the

Society provided that the provision last aforesaid shall not apply any payment of

any company to a member of the Society may be a company in which such a

member shall not hold more than 1/100th part of the Capital, or such member

shall not be bound to account for any share of profits, he may receive in respect

of any such payment.

3. In the event of winding-up or dissolution of the Society, after the satisfaction of

all debts and liabilities, all other asset shall be applied, given or transferred to

institution(s) having same or similar objectives to that of the Nigeria Society of

Physiotherapy. Provided that such institutions prohibits the distribution of its

assets amongst its members to as extent at least as much as it imposed on the

Society under Article XXVII of this Constitution and provided that such

institution shall be determined by the members at or before the time of

dissolution.

4. If no institution is entitled to the assets as contained in Articles XXVII, then the

assets shall be given or passed to some charitable objectives.

5. The resignation, suspension, withdrawal, removal or expulsion of a member or

group of members of the Society shall not entitle any such member or group of

members to any of the assets of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy.

6. The resignation, suspension, withdrawal, removal or expulsion of a member of

group of members of the Society shall not absolved the member or group of

members from his/its liabilities to the Society or to any external body in any

instance where the Society stands as a guarantor to such liability.

No addition, alteration, or repeal or amendment shall be made to or in the

Constitution for the time being in force, unless the same have been submitted to

the Corporate Affairs Commission.

ARTICLE XXVIII:

AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

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1. The Constitution may be repealed or amended in part through the due process

outlined below but under no circumstance may it or any part of it be suspended.

2. The procedure for constitutional amendment is as follows:-

(a) Any proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary-

General of the Society.

(b) Copies thereof shall be mailed, or sent by the General Secretary to all

eligible members of the Society at least one month prior to any general

meetings.

(c) The proposed amendment shall be debated at the general meeting.

Controversial item(s) may require casting of votes by all members present

in the meeting. Decision shall be taken by two thirds of votes cast.

(d) Any amendment to the Constitution shall come into effect immediately after

the conclusion of the general meeting where the amendment is passed.

ARTICLE XXIX:

PROSCRIPTION AND LIFTING OF PROSCRIPTION ORDER OF NSP

1. If ever the Society is proscribed, the officers in office when the proscription order

was made shall continue to act for the Society throughout the proscription.

2. At the lifting of the proscription order, these officers shall report to the Society

their activities during the proscription period. They shall also act at any or on all

such a time until when elections shall take place within a year at the lifting of

proscription ban. The period of proscription shall not be counted as term of office

for these officers.

3. The Constitution in existence as at the time of proscription shall govern the

activities were election cannot be held within a year for whatsoever reasons the

provision of Article XXIV (20) and (21) shall apply.

ARTICLE XXX:

TRANSITION, REVOCATION AND INDEMNITY CLAUSES

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1. All Regulations and Rules made under the old Constitution shall remain in force

until new Rules and Regulations are made to replace them.

2. From the date when this constitution comes into effect any other constitution of

the Society by whatever name called shall cease to effect.

3. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article XXX (2) above, all acts done under the

provisions of the Constitution, Rules and Regulations revoked by this

Constitution shall have effect as if they were done under the provisions of this

Constitution.

ARTICLE XXXI:

ARRANGEMENT/ARITHMETIC OF THE CONSTITUTION, CONFLICT

AND WITHDRAWAL OF SERVICES

1. Arrangement of the Constitution:-

The provisions of the Constitution of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy shall be

arranged as Articles, Sections, Subsections and Paragraphs, of the various

articles that made up the Constitution.

2. Interpretation of Arithmetic Fractions in the Constitutions:-

Any Arithmetic fraction in this Constitution shall be approximated to the nearest

higher whole number, that is any number less than one no matter how small

always be approximated to be equal to one.

3. Conflict:-

For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Constitution shall have

precedence and prevail over those of the Bye Laws, Standing Orders, Rules and

Regulations and any other rules where there is a conflict or for any other cause.

4. The Constitution of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy is a single document. All

the provisions of this Constitution including those of the standing orders in the

First Schedule shall be read together.

5. The Society shall employ an Administrative office(s) or by whatever name called to

man the secretariat when it deems it necessary provided none of such employed

officer shall be a physiotherapist(s).

49

6. Withdrawal of services:-

Any decision that will bring about withdrawal of “Physiotherapy Services" in any

way shall be taken by 2/3 of members present at the A.C.M or Emergency

General Meetings, provided at least 50% of member of the National Executive

Council present at the meeting support the vote.

ARTICLE XXXII:

EFFECTIVE DATE

This Constitution is effective from 1st November, 2013 at the conclusion of the Annual

General Meeting where it was unanimously adopted by members present at the Annual

Conference.

FIRST SCHEDULE OF N.S.P CONSTITUTION

(N.S.P STANDING ORDERS)

This schedule is intended to provide for the conduct and procedure of all meeting and

plenary session of the Society and matter relating thereof, and shall to be read together

with the Constitution.

Business:

The National President of the Society shall occupy the Chairman and preside at all

meetings of the Society, subject to the provisions of the Society’s Constitution, at any

meeting of the Society where the President is absent, then,

(I) Vice President

(II) National General Secretary

(III) Assistant General Secretary

(IV) National Treasurer

(V) Financial Secretary

(VI) Public Relations Officer

(VII) Assistant Public Relations Officer I and II

(VIII) Auditors I and II

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(IX) Ex-Officio member I and II

1. Provided the order of procedure shall be in descending order or arrangement as

stated above shall occupy the chair and failing that members present will elect a

chairman among themselves.

2. A Delegate, Representative or Executive Council or any meeting shall transact

such business as on its agenda or any business decided by the Executive Council

or the Chairman.

3. The Agenda of the business of the meeting shall be circulated with the notice of

meeting. At the beginning of the meeting the agenda shall be reviewed and

adopted and once adopted shall be adhered to till the completion of business.

4. No member shall commence to speak on any topic until recognized to do so by

the chairman.

5. Any member desiring to speak shall put up his hand, sitting in his place and

shall not rise or speak until he is called upon by the chairman.

6. The order of speaking shall be determined by the chairman in his absolute

discretion without fear or favour.

7. No two members shall stand up or speak simultaneously during discussions at a

meeting.

8. No member shall speak more than once on any topic except the mover of a

motion or amendment who shall be permitted to wind up after the subject of such

motion or amendment has been debated. Provided that a member who has

spoken on a subject may again be heard at the discretion of the Chairman to offer

explanation on some material part of his speech which has been misunderstood.

Provided that the provision of this section shall not apply to meetings of the

National Executive Council.

9. A member must confine his observations to the subject under discussion and

may not introduce irrelevant matter thereby.

10. No member shall be permitted to re-open any specific question upon which the

meeting has come to a conclusion.

11. Any meeting of the Society held in parts shall be regarded as one ln continuous

meeting. The provision of the standing orders as in this schedule of the

Constitution shall apply as in any one continuous meeting. No member shall be

51

permitted to re-open any specific question upon which the meeting has come to

conclusion in any of the earlier part(s).

12. No members shall use offensive, insulting or disorderly language about any other

member of the Society, or inputs improper motives to such member.

13. Any member whose conduct is disorderly at any meeting or who refuses to

withdraw an offensive or insulting language after he has been told by the

chairman to do so may be asked to leave the meeting by the chairman.

14. The chairman shall use his discretion to stop discussion when there are many

members anxious to speak on a subject, in due fairness, when he considers that

further discussion will provocative, irrelevant or dilatory to the matter.

15. A member who has any relevant and pertinent information to give may in the

course of a speech by another person plead with the chairman but such a pleader

shall only give his information if permitted to do so by the chairman.

16. A member may raise a plea of ‘point or order” which when raised shall only be

allowed where a member observes and the chairman accepts that there is a

deviation by the speaker from the subject matter and/or according to these

Standing Orders.

17. A member may raise the plea “on point of correction” where there has arisen a

misquotation of a speaker, or a misrepresentation of either a speaker or the

matter under discussion.

18. Misquotation or misrepresentation shall be corrected firstly by the misquoted and

finally by the chairman.

19. In the event of a proposition to proceed to the next business or for the progress

being moved and seconded, unless it shall appear to the chairman that such

motion is premature, it shall after the proposer and seconder of the resolution

have been heard be put to vote.

lf agreed to all propositions on the subject under discussion shall be considered

as disposed of.

Once a subject has been discussed and voted upon it shall not again be

introduced during the meeting in accordance with clause 10 of these Standing

Orders.

20. No member shall leave any meeting except with the express permission of the

Chairman.

52

21. No motion or amendment shall be discussed unless it is seconded, except the

proposals of the Executive Council or the report of any Committee of the Society

which shall be taken as having been moved and seconded. No second amendment

is disposed of.

22. On any issue, cause of matter every member eligible to vote according to the

Society’s constitution shall have one vote in the event of equality of votes or tie,

the presiding Electoral Officer shall have a casting.

23. Unless the constitution otherwise prescribed, voting on any subject at meetings

of the Society shall be by show off hands. However, methods of voting maybe

varied by two thirds majority of those present at the meeting.

24. The rule of the Chairman on all these matter shall be obeyed.

25. The full meeting shall have power to appoint Committees/ Commissions for the

furtherance of its business. Such Committees may sit during the hours of the

meeting should it be necessary for them to do so.

26. The chairman may give directions or adopt measures reasonably necessary in the

interest of the Society or reasonably conducive to the conduct or proceedings of

any meeting. '

The procedure of a meeting of any committee may be determined by that

committee. It may appoint its Chairman, Secretary or co-opt any other member(s)

unless otherwise prescribed by the constitution.

27. Elections: Only qualified voters shall be admitted into the meeting place during

election time, unless otherwise stated in the constitution,.

28. The Returning Officer shall appoint two other officers to assist him.

29. Function: The Returning Officer and the two electoral officers shall control,

conduct and manage the Annual or Biennial election for which they are

appointed during the election.

The Returning Officer shall be the Presiding Electoral Officer and shall have the

power of the Chairman under these Standing Orders.

30. Decision: To the extent of their functions the decision of the Returning Officer

and the two other ad-hoc electoral officers shall final.

31. Proceedings: Provided that a quorum was formed, validity of proceedings of any

meeting shall not be affected by any office vacancy or by defect in the

53

appointment or election of members or officers or by any irregularity in the

proceedings.

32. Action: Any member of the Society may be expelled from a meeting or have any

disciplinary action taken against him such reasons as the Executive Board or

NRC or AGM or General Meeting may deem fit in accordance with the provisions

of the Society’s Constitution.

33. Tobacco, cigar, cigarettes shall neither be smoked nor used at all meeting of the

Society.

34. Conflict: For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the constitution shall have

precedence and prevail over those of the Standing Orders and Bye- laws where

there is a conflict or for any other cause.

35. The Chairman of a Committee, Task force, the National Rights, Privileges and

Disciplinary Tribunal or any other body set up by the Society shall have the

powers of the chairman under these Standing Orders.

36. In any Meeting of the Society any co-opted member or observer or ex-officio

member shall have no right to vote unless otherwise stated in the Constitution.

37. These Standing Orders may be repealed or amended in part or through the

process outlined below, but under no circumstance may these Standing Orders

or any part thereof be suspended.

38. Amendment: Notice of amendment to the Standing Orders shall be sent in writing

not later than two months before an Annual General Meeting through the

Secretary-General to all members.

The said amendment shall be adopted by all past Presidents present and 2/3 of

members at the AGM/C provided 2/3 shall be approximated to the nearest higher

whole number.

39. Any amendment to the Standing Orders shall come into effect immediately after

the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting where such amendment is passed.

40. Effective Date: This Standing Orders are effective from : 1st November, 2013 at the

conclusion of the Annual General Meeting where they were adopted and passed by

the members present at the AGM which was held at the First Molac Hotel, Akure,

Ondo State, Nigeria.

54

ATTESTED TO, ON THIS DAY, 1st of November, 2013

AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WHERE THIS

CONSTITUTION AND STANDING ORDERS IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE WERE

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED.

OFFICE NAME SIGNATURE

PRESIDENT

TAIWO J. OYEWUMI

NATIONAL GENERAL SECRETARY

OLADIRE OLANIYI