Veterinary Council Inducts 41 New FUNAAB Graduates as Doctors of Veterinary Medicine

In a colourful and inspiring ceremony, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), in partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), formally inducted 41 new graduates into the Veterinary profession as Doctors of Veterinary Medicine.

The event, held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School (FUNIS), marked the 17th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the College. Themed “Celebrating Veterinary Knowledge and Impact: Shaping Enterprise, Science and Society,” the ceremony highlighted FUNAAB’s continued excellence in veterinary education, professional ethics, and contribution to national development.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olukayode Akinyemi, congratulated the newly inducted doctors, describing them as a new generation of professionals equipped to make meaningful contributions to society. He praised their hard work, resilience, and discipline throughout their six-year academic journey, urging them to uphold integrity, professionalism, and innovation in their careers.

“You have a noble calling — to protect animal health, ensure food safety, and contribute to public health. Uphold honesty, diligence, and sound judgment as ambassadors of this great University,” he charged.

Professor Kehinde, in his remarks, reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to strengthening COLVET through continuous investments in staff development, research, and modern facilities. He expressed pride in the College’s global recognition, revealing that FUNAAB has retained its Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings position as the number one institution for Veterinary Science in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa for the second consecutive year.

In his welcome address, the Dean of COLVET, Professor Olusola Ajayi, commended the University Management and the Veterinary Council of Nigeria for their unwavering support. He described the induction as a defining moment that marks the transition of graduates from academic learning to professional practice under the Veterinary Surgeons Act. He encouraged the new Doctors to serve with compassion, competence, and ethical responsibility.

Delivering the keynote address, the Group Managing Director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd. and former President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, spoke on the transformative role of Veterinary Medicine in advancing enterprise, innovation, and sustainable national development.

The Acting Registrar of the VCN, Dr. Oladotun Fadipe, in his goodwill message, described the 17th Induction on October 17 as “divinely symbolic.” He applauded FUNAAB for maintaining its high academic and moral standards while urging the inductees to embody truth, discipline, and time consciousness in their professional journeys.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding graduates, with Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Opeyemi Esther emerging as the Overall Best Graduating Student.

The ceremony was graced by dignitaries from the veterinary profession, academia, and industry, as well as proud parents and well-wishers, all gathered to celebrate the achievements of the 41 newly inducted Doctors — a class set to make remarkable impacts on animal health, food security, and public welfare within and beyond Nigeria.