FUNAAB Zoo Park Honours Outstanding SIWES Students and Reaffirms Commitment to Wildlife Training

The FUNAAB Zoo Park has reaffirmed its position as a leading centre for wildlife conservation, practical learning and professional development by honouring its outstanding Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) students for their dedication, commitment and exceptional performance during their six-month industrial attachment.

The recognition ceremony, held on August 5, 2026, highlighted the Zoo Park’s commitment to developing future professionals through hands-on training, mentorship and experiential learning in wildlife management and conservation.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the FUNAAB Zoo Park, Professor Sam Olufemi Sam-Wobo, described the 2026 SIWES cohort as exceptional, noting that the students distinguished themselves through exemplary commitment, discipline and meaningful contributions to the Park’s operations.

He explained that the recognition was aimed at celebrating excellence and inspiring future trainees to uphold high standards.

In his goodwill message, former Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) and the Institute of Human Resources Development (INHURD), Professor Oladele Talabi, urged the students to remain passionate about wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

He highlighted the importance of vigilance in monitoring animal health and encouraged the students to maintain strong relationships with mentors who could guide their professional growth.

Also delivering a goodwill message, the Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, encouraged the students to embrace the three Cs of Character, Capacity and Competence as essential ingredients for career success.

He stressed that integrity, discipline, punctuality and professional excellence remain invaluable qualities for future leaders.

Similarly, the Chief Zoo Curator, Mr. Emmanuel Ndubuisi, congratulated the students on completing their industrial training and encouraged them to remain focused, resilient and committed to excellence in all their endeavours.

Corroborating the Chief Zoo Curator, the Zoo Curator, Mr. Olawale Somoye, commended the students for their diligence, professionalism and dedication throughout their industrial attachment.

He noted that the Zoo Park remains committed to providing a conducive environment where students can acquire practical skills, industry exposure and the confidence required for successful careers.

Renowned as one of Nigeria’s foremost zoological parks, the FUNAAB Zoo Park provides visitors, researchers and students with unique opportunities for wildlife education, conservation research and practical training.

The Park is home to an impressive collection of wildlife species, including the Rock Python, Nile Crocodile, Jackal, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Red-capped Monkey, Dwarf Crocodile and African Mud Turtle, among many others.

The ceremony culminated in the presentation of certificates to the outstanding SIWES students, further demonstrating the Zoo Park’s dedication to recognising excellence, rewarding hard work and producing the next generation of wildlife and environmental professionals.

The FUNAAB Zoo Park has also encouraged members of the public to visit the facility to experience nature, conservation and learning at their very best.