By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
The College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET) recently held its 15th Oath-Taking and Induction Ceremony.
Speaking at the Ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, highlighted the profound impact of COLVET since its establishment, saying, “We have been leaders in the field of Veterinary Medicine, benefiting the health of animals, people, and the environment not only in Nigeria but also beyond.”
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the College’s pivotal role in shaping the discipline, from pioneering innovative educational programmes to unraveling the mechanisms of animal diseases.
L-R: Dean, COLVET, Prof. Lawrence Ajayi; Guest Speaker, Dr. Samuel Adeyemi; President, VCN, Dr. Aishat Abubakar Baju; representative of the Vice-Chancellor, and DVC (A), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, President, NVMA, Dr. Moses Arokoyo; Ag. Registrar, VCN, Dr. Oladotun Fasipe, and the representative of the Ag. Bursar, Mrs. Comfort Dasaolu during the Induction Ceremony
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Prof. Kehinde inspired the new graduates, stating, “You are entering a world of great promise and many challenges. Your resilience, demonstrated through hours of study and care for your animal patients, has brought you to this momentous juncture in your careers.”
Celebrating recent accolades, Prof. Kehinde announced FUNAAB’s recognition as the Best University in Veterinary Medicine in Nigeria in 2023 by research.com.
Dr. Aishat Baju displaying the stamps of the registered members
He also lauded FUNAAB’s achievement as the top agricultural University in Africa and the 7th best globally in 2024 by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Dean of the College, Prof. Lawrence Ajayi expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his unflinching support, which was instrumental in the success of the ceremony.
Representative of the Vice-Chancellor and DVC, A, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s Address at the ceremony
He underscored the significance of the oath-taking ceremony, symbolising the formal entry of the graduates into the Veterinary profession, in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeon Act.
The Guest Speaker, Dr. Samuel Adeyemi who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Soptimal Ventures Nig. Ltd., delivered an enlightening address on the theme “Transformative Innovation in Veterinary Profession: Pathway to Sustainable National Development.”
Dr. Adeyemi advocated for curriculum specialisation in undergraduate veterinary education, stressing the importance of innovation in driving progress.
The inductees taking the Oath of Allegiance
Highlighting the critical role of governance in fostering innovation and national development, Dr. Adeyemi made a case for transformative leadership across all levels of society. He cautioned against the pitfalls of poor governance, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship to harness the transformative potential of innovation fully.
Dr. Aishat Baju, an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, who is also the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), observed the Council’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of training and practice in Veterinary Medicine.
She reminded the graduates of their ethical obligations and legal responsibilities as they embark on their professional journey.
Cross-section of parents and guardians of the inductees
Present at the Ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo; Ag. Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu; Representative of the Ag. Bursar, Mrs. Comfort Dasaolu; Ag. Registrar, VCN, Dr. Oladotun Fadipe, and the President, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr. Moses Arokoyo.
Others were the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Morenike Dipeolu; Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olufemi Ojo, as well as Heads of Departments and College members in the College of Veterinary Medicine, including parents and guardians of the inductees.
