Veterinary Council Shuts Down UNIBEN Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Over Failure to Meet Standards

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has officially shut down the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Benin, citing non-compliance with the required standards for running a veterinary program.

This move comes after an inspection by the VCN, which determined that the institution failed to meet the regulatory benchmarks necessary to train veterinary professionals.

Dr. Aishatu Abubaka-Baju, the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria and an Assistant Inspector General of Police, confirmed the closure during an interview with The PUNCH* at the 60th Annual Congress of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) in Jos, Plateau State. She stated that the University of Benin could no longer admit students into its veterinary program following the council’s decision.

“We have just returned from an inspection at the University of Benin, along with other universities, and we have shut down their Veterinary Medicine program due to non-compliance with required standards,” Dr. Abubaka-Baju announced. “The program is no longer allowed to admit students until further notice.”

The closure is part of a broader effort by the VCN to ensure that veterinary education in Nigeria meets international standards. Dr. Abubaka-Baju emphasized that the council is committed to safeguarding the quality of veterinary education and services across the country.

In contrast, the University of Abuja’s Veterinary Medicine program has been granted interim accreditation by the council. “The University of Abuja has received interim accreditation, and we will reassess the program in two years,” Dr. Abubaka-Baju added.