44 UNILORIN Graduands Inducted As Veterinarians

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) on Monday inducted 44 graduates from the 2020/2021 academic session as veterinarians. 

 The President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, AIG Aishatu Abubakar-Baju, who spoke during the Induction and Oath-Taking ceremony in Ilorin, emphasised the significance of veterinary practice in Nigeria. 

She stated that high-quality education would provide potential veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform efficiently and effectively support veterinary services.

“The veterinary professionals are in the majority in most rural African countries, including Nigeria, offering the much-needed services to smallholder farmers.

“This makes the work of the veterinarians crucial in view of animal health in particular and public health at large, hence the need for proper regulation,” she said.

Abubakar-Baju stated that in accordance with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), previously known as the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), all veterinary professionals are obligated to work towards saving the lives of animals and the general public.

According to her, a veterinary doctor is one who is trained and certified by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), the statutory body responsible for the care of animal health. 

She added that the VCN was established in 1952 to regulate the quality of training and practices in veterinary medicine in Nigeria. 

Abubakar-Baju also highlighted other functions of the council, including determining the standard of knowledge and skills required for registration under the Veterinary Surgeons Act and adjusting those standards as necessary.

“It also ensures that all registered veterinary professionals remain ethical, law-abiding and continually improve themselves through a regular peer-approved Professional Continuing Education,” she said.

She added: “The use of inappropriate and flamboyant titles, which is the general practice in Nigeria, is frowned at by the council.

“A veterinary professional must command respect in dressing and behaviour.”

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, encouraged the graduates to bring about positive change in their field.

He emphasised the University's dedication to providing students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and best practices. 

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Raji Mashood, congratulated the graduates and urged them to be professional in their work. 

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of the profession in promoting the health of both humans and animals. 

Mashood also urged veterinarians to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to improve the overall health of the population. 

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Fatima Jiddah was named the best graduating student in the faculty