The Veterinary Council of Nigeria has inducted a new set of veterinary doctors during the 47th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, held on Friday at the Margaret Ekpo Convocation Arena.
Administering the oath and presenting certificates to the 2024/2025 graduands was the Acting Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr. Fadipe Oladotun, who charged the newly inducted veterinary doctors to uphold the ethics, integrity, and professional standards of veterinary practice in Nigeria.
Dr. Fadipe emphasized the critical role of veterinary professionals in safeguarding animal health, ensuring food safety, and protecting public health, urging the graduands to remain committed to excellence and service to humanity.
The ceremony marked the formal admission of the graduates into the veterinary profession under the regulatory supervision of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria.
President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Prof. Mathew Adamu, has charged newly inducted veterinary graduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to uphold discipline, professionalism and ethical conduct in the practice of veterinary medicine.
Prof. Adamu stated that the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, being the oldest regulatory body in the country, is saddled with the responsibility of determining standards for the training and practice of Veterinary Medicine in Nigeria.
He urged the new graduands to distinguish themselves both in character and professional practice as they begin their careers in the veterinary profession.
The VCN President also congratulated the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UNN, for successfully inducting three sets of graduands within two years in office, describing the achievement as commendable.
He further appreciated the parents of the graduands, lecturers and the university management for their roles in producing veterinary doctors who would serve as worthy ambassadors of the profession.
Earlier in his speech, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Simon Ortuanya,
represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Michael E. Onyia
charged the graduating veterinary students to make the best use of the scientific knowledge and professional skills they acquired during their training to protect animal health and welfare, promote sustainable animal production, and safeguard public health.
Addressing the graduands ahead of their oath-taking ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, through his representative, reminded them that the Veterinary Oath marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and professional development.
“To you, great Lions and Lionesses taking the Veterinary Oath today, I urge you to put into practice the valuable scientific knowledge and professional skills you have acquired here at the University of Nigeria. Use them to protect animal health and welfare, enhance sustainable animal production, and promote public health,” he said.
He further encouraged the new veterinary doctors to continually improve themselves through higher degree programmes, postgraduate fellowships, and continuing professional education opportunities available within the Faculty and the University.
“As professionals, you must remain committed to continuous learning and competence development. Your education does not end today; rather, it is the foundation for greater accomplishments in your chosen careers,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor also urged the graduands to uphold the core values and noble ideals of the University of Nigeria by serving as worthy ambassadors of the institution wherever they find themselves.
“As you march into society as products of the University of Nigeria, always work towards restoring the dignity of man in all that you do. Engage only in actions that reflect the noble ideals of the founding fathers of this great University,” he stated.
He prayed for God’s guidance, protection, and blessings upon the graduands and appealed to them not to forget their alma mater when they become successful in their various endeavours, while also commending the recent efforts of the Faculty Administration.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Representative of Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Michael E. Onyia. (DVC Administration), President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Prof. Mathew Adamu; President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association(NVMA) Dr. Moses Arokoyo was represented by Dr. Chidiebere Iloh,
Dean faculty of Vet.medicine, UNN, Prof. John I. Ihedioha
alongside members of the university management, veterinary professionals, and invited guests.
The event underscored the continued commitment of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria to strengthening professional standards and promoting quality veterinary education and practice in the country.