Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
In line with the University’s commitment to experiential learning, students from the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET) recently embarked on field trips that bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The excursions provided them with hands-on exposure to botanical and pharmaceutical applications relevant to veterinary practice.
The first phase of the adventure took place at the FUNAAB Botanical Garden on Tuesday, March 25, and Thursday, March 27, 2025, as students from the DVM III and DVM IV classes explored the diverse flora with medicinal and toxicological significance in veterinary medicine. The visit noted the importance of identifying plants with medicinal properties, recognising toxic species, and understanding their taxonomy, phenotypic characteristics, and active constituents.
Welcoming the students on behalf of the Head of the Department of Pure and Applied Botany, Dr. Abiodun Oyelakin, with the Botanical Garden Coordinator, Dr. Oluwasegun Fawibe, provided insight into the Garden’s mission and vision. He highlighted several plants with dual medicinal and toxic properties, such as Asclepias syriaca (Milkweed), which is safe for rabbits but harmful to cattle.
He also discussed the Euphorbiaceae family, known for its latex-producing plants, including Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Ewe Iyanapaja) and Euphorbia kamerunica (Cactus plant). The students further examined the therapeutic applications of plants such as Moringa oleifera (Miracle Plant) with antimicrobial properties, Azadirachta indica (Dongoyaro) with antifungal benefits, and Vernonia amygdalina (Bitterleaf), known for its detoxifying effects.
The learning experience continued with a visit to Kachelan-Pharma Research Ltd, Onikolobo, Abeokuta, on Friday, March 28, 2025. Final-year (DVM V) students had the unique opportunity to explore career prospects in veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturing. Kachelan-Pharma Research Ltd, a leading veterinary medication production company in Nigeria, provided insights into pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, quality control, and industry regulations.
During the visit, the 40 participating students were divided into batches and guided through various sections of the facility, including the Receiving Bay, Cloak Room, Crossover Section, Quality Control Room, Laboratory, and Production Room. The tour underscored the significance of strict hygiene protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), advanced manufacturing technologies, and compliance with industry standards.
The field trips were coordinated by the Head of the Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Prof. Olubukola Adenubi, alongside Faculty members, Dr. Oluwatodimu Adekoya, Dr. Samuel Attama, and the Laboratory Technologist, Mr. Charles Leigh.
