FUNAAB Veterinary Graduates Urged to Embrace Artificial Intelligence for Improved Animal Healthcare
Veterinary graduates of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to improve animal healthcare delivery, enhance professional efficiency and remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven veterinary sector.
Philip22
Veterinary graduates of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to improve animal healthcare delivery, enhance professional efficiency and remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven veterinary sector.
The call was made by the Chief Executive Officer of Blueblood Vet Limited, Abuja, Dr Bala Muhammed, while delivering a pre-induction lecture titled “Smart Veterinary Practice: Harnessing AI for Sustainable Animal Healthcare” at the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET) Auditorium on November 3, 2026.
Speaking at the event, Dr Muhammed highlighted the growing applications of AI in veterinary practice, explaining that the technology could assist professionals in analysing images, videos and cellular images, summarising clinical records, preparing instructions for clients and organising clinical information more efficiently.
While acknowledging the potential risks associated with AI, he maintained that such challenges could be addressed through responsible and informed application of the technology.
He encouraged veterinary professionals across Africa to adopt AI through small, practical applications, establish reliable data systems and maximise available resources to improve service delivery and promote sustainable animal healthcare.
Dr Muhammed also expressed satisfaction with the performance of some FUNAAB graduates currently working with his organisation. He commended their contributions and acknowledged the quality of training they received at the university.
Earlier, the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Michael Takeet, welcomed the dignitaries and explained that the pre-induction lecture was organised to broaden the graduands' understanding of career opportunities beyond the university and prepare them for the realities of professional practice.
He urged the graduands to listen attentively and draw valuable lessons from the speakers' experiences, noting that the knowledge shared would help them navigate the challenges and opportunities awaiting them in the veterinary profession.
In her goodwill message, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Morenike Dipeolu, commended the college's academic staff for their dedication to knowledge impartation and the professional development of the graduands.
She congratulated the students on completing their academic journey and encouraged them to uphold the university's reputation through excellence, integrity and meaningful contributions to society.
Similarly, the President-Elect of the World Veterinary Association (WVA), Dr Tunji Nasir, acknowledged the opportunities AI presents for advancing veterinary practice but cautioned that the technology could not replace physical examination or the professional judgement of veterinary practitioners.
He emphasised that fundamental clinical skills, including observation and the use of touch during physical examinations, remained indispensable to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Dr Nasir also congratulated the graduands on their achievement and urged them to maintain the standards, ethics and values of the veterinary profession.
Also speaking, Dr Favour Oduwole highlighted the importance of customer service, confidence and professional presentation in building a successful veterinary practice.
She explained that a practitioner's confidence could influence clients' trust, their perception of professional value and the potential earnings of a veterinary practice.
Dr Oduwole introduced the CASH framework, which comprises four essential principles for effective client relations:
- Confidence
- Appearance
- Solution
- Honour
She explained that veterinary professionals must demonstrate confidence, maintain a professional appearance, provide practical solutions to clients' needs and uphold honour in their dealings to build trust and sustain successful practices.
The speakers collectively encouraged the graduands to combine technological innovation with sound clinical judgement, strong interpersonal skills and professional integrity as they transition from academic training into professional practice.
The event formed part of the activities preceding the induction of newly qualified FUNAAB veterinarians by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), marking an important milestone in their transition from academic training to professional service.
