Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
In a colourful and memorable ceremony, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), inducted 41 new FUNAAB graduates as Veterinary Doctors.
Held today, October 17, 2025, at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School (FUNIS), the event marked the 17th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the College. Themed “Celebrating Veterinary Knowledge and Impact: Shaping Enterprise, Science and Society,” the occasion underscored FUNAAB’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, professional ethics, and societal development.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, congratulated the newly inducted doctors, describing them as “a new generation of professionals stepping into a world of great promise and great responsibility.”
He commended their hardwork, resilience, and discipline throughout their six-year academic journey, urging them to uphold the values of integrity, innovation, and service to humanity. “High expectations are placed on you as Veterinarians to uphold the nobility of the profession and demonstrate hardwork, honesty, and sound judgment. We look forward to reading trailblazing headlines about you all,” he charged.
Prof. Kehinde reiterated the University Management’s commitment to the continued growth of COLVET, highlighting the indispensable role Veterinarians play in safeguarding animal health, ensuring food safety, and driving national development. He further noted the University’s sustained investments in staff welfare, research support, and modern facilities to enhance veterinary education and practice.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the College of Veterinary Medicine has retained its Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings position as the number one in Sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria in the field of Veterinary Science for the second consecutive year, a testament to the College’s global reputation for excellence.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Dean, COLVET, Prof. Olusola Ajayi, commended the University Management and VCN for their consistent support, describing the ceremony as a landmark event that formalises the graduands’ transition from students to professionals under the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
He lauded the Class of 2025 for their perseverance and encouraged them to remain thoughtful and compassionate in their practice. “You have shown what it means to be a veterinary student. As you step into the professional world, be the light that brightens the future of veterinary practice,” he said.
Delivering the Keynote Address, the Group Managing Director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd. and former President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, spoke on the transformative potential of Veterinary Medicine in advancing innovation, enterprise, and sustainable development.
In his goodwill message, the Acting Registrar, VCN, Dr. Oladotun Fadipe, described the occasion as “divinely symbolic,” noting that holding the 17th Induction on October 17 reflected divine alignment. He applauded FUNAAB for maintaining outstanding academic and ethical standards while urging the inductees to embody truth, discipline, and time consciousness in their careers.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to exceptional graduates, with Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Opeyemi Esther emerging as the Overall Best Graduating Student.
The ceremony drew distinguished guests from the Veterinary profession, members of the academic community, proud parents, and well-wishers, all united in celebrating the dawn of a new chapter for the 41 newly inducted Veterinary Doctors, a cohort poised to make lasting contributions to animal health, food security, and societal well-being both in Nigeria and beyond.
Photos are attached below 👇
Credit: Gbolahan Lawal
