Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Raymond Osemene
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has inducted 45 graduates of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), into the Veterinary profession, charging them to embrace innovation, professional excellence and emerging technologies to transform animal healthcare and advance national development.
The induction, held today, November 4, 2026, at the Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, marked the 18th set of Veterinary Doctors produced by the University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET). The ceremony was themed, “Leading the Future of Veterinary Medicine: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Healthier Animals and Communities.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Head of the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, Prof. Francis Showemimo, described the induction as a significant milestone in FUNAAB’s contribution to veterinary education and national development. He congratulated the inductees, commending their dedication, rigorous training and perseverance, as well as the support of their parents, guardians and sponsors.
Prof. Kehinde reiterated Management’s commitment to strengthening COLVET through improved infrastructure, human capacity development, and a conducive environment for teaching and research. Established in 2001, the College has continued to contribute to animal healthcare, food security and FUNAAB’s reputation in veterinary education, with Management determined to sustain its position as the best College of Veterinary Medicine in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Vice-Chancellor also congratulated COLVET on its performance at the recently concluded Vital Two Competition, organised by Ikore International for veterinary students in Nigeria, where FUNAAB’s representatives emerged second overall. He described the achievement as evidence of the University’s capacity to produce innovative, academically sound and globally competitive graduates.
Earlier, the Dean of COLVET, Prof. Michael Takeet, described the induction as the culmination of years of dedication and sacrifice. He appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his support, attributing the College’s achievements to the collective efforts of successive leaders, staff, students and alumni, while paying tribute to its founding father, Prof. Babatunde Otesile, for laying a solid foundation for its development.
Highlighting the College’s international achievements, Prof. Takeet disclosed that five of its distinguished alumni successfully passed the Membership Examination of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), United Kingdom, in May 2026, qualifying them for professional practice as Veterinary Surgeons in the UK.
Delivering the Keynote Lecture, the Chief Executive Officer of Farm Alert, Dr Kayode Femi, challenged the inductees to build their careers around responsibility, curiosity and courage. He urged them to remain eager to learn, question existing practices and continuously acquire new knowledge, stressing that professional success depended on how effectively knowledge was applied.
Dr Femi encouraged the new Veterinarians to pursue ambitious ideas, take initiative and create opportunities rather than allow their age or circumstances to limit their aspirations. He charged them to become change agents who would improve the public perception of Veterinary Medicine through innovation, commitment and purposeful leadership.
Also speaking, the President of the VCN, Prof. Mathew Adamu, congratulated FUNAAB Management, staff and students on producing the 18th set of Veterinary Doctors, describing the milestone as a testament to COLVET’s sustained commitment to professional training. He noted that attaining 18 years came with greater responsibilities, particularly in postgraduate training, advanced research and the development of highly skilled manpower for Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Prof. Adamu urged the inductees to embrace professional excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship, emphasising that Veterinary Medicine offered opportunities beyond conventional government employment. He encouraged them to identify professional niches, establish private practices and become internationally competitive while remaining locally relevant, stressing that integrity and strict adherence to professional ethics must guide their careers.
Administering the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) oath, the Acting Registrar of the VCN, Dr Oladotun Fadipe, cautioned the inductees against compromising professional standards for immediate financial gains or personal convenience.
The highlights of the ceremony were the Oath-Taking by the newly inducted Veterinary Doctors and the presentation of an award to Miss Mary Durowoju, COLVET’s Best Graduating Student, alongside awards to other exceptional students.
#SDG3, #SDG4, #SDG16
