FUNAAB VC Urges Veterinary Scholars to Reconnect with 'One Health' Mission at Maiden COLVET Retreat

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has charged Academic staff of the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET), to reconnect with their shared mission, reflect on their institutional responsibilities, and renew their commitment to excellence in Teaching, Research, and Community Service.

Delivering his address at the maiden retreat themed, “Reconnect, Reflect and Refresh,” the Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, commended the College leadership for initiating what he described as a timely and strategic gathering aimed at strengthening academic delivery in line with the University’s mandate.

He observed that in the demanding world of academia, staff could easily become engrossed in lectures, clinical duties, research grants, publications, and administrative engagements, often at the expense of the University’s fundamental shared mission.

Prof. Kehinde emphasised the need for staff to reconnect with the noble purpose of Veterinary Medicine, particularly in safeguarding animal health, public health, food security, and environmental sustainability. He noted that the discipline occupies a central place in the global One Health agenda, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

The Vice-Chancellor further urged the College to remain intellectually united and strategically aligned in confronting emerging global challenges, stressing the importance of collaboration and collective vision.

Earlier in his Opening Remarks, the Dean, COLVET, Prof. Olusola Ajayi, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their sustained support, noting that their contributions had continued to position the College prominently among its peers.

He explained that the retreat was organised to foster unity among academic staff and strengthen teamwork within the College. Prof. Ajayi added that the forum would provide an opportunity for staff to re-examine their core responsibilities and deepen academic collaboration.

Highlights of the retreat included paper presentations by the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Morenike Dipeolu; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo; and the Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olugbenga Kehinde.

Others were the Ag. Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Dr. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, and the Ag. Director, Directorate of Internal Audit, Mr. Kehinde Ajayi. Awards of honour were presented to the paper presenters in recognition of their contributions.