By: Ene Okwanihe, Abuja
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria has urged newly inducted veterinary doctors to recognise their vital contributions to Nigeria’s growing blue economy sector and national development.
The charge was given during the 17th Oath-Taking and Induction Ceremony for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduands of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, where 32 graduates were formally admitted into the veterinary profession.
The ceremony, held at the Richard Kimbir Senate Building in Makurdi, attracted stakeholders from academia, government agencies, the veterinary profession, parents, and well-wishers.
Administering the oath on behalf of the council, the Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr Fadipe Oladotun, officially inducted the graduands into professional practice.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Muyiwa Benedict urged the new veterinarians to maintain high ethical standards, professionalism, and integrity in their careers.
Speaking on the theme, “Veterinary Medicine at the Frontier: Unlocking Aquatic Animal Health and the Blue Economy in Nigeria,” Benedict emphasised the strategic importance of veterinary professionals in promoting aquatic animal health, food security, public health, and sustainable economic growth.
He encouraged the fresh graduates to embrace innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration with experts from other disciplines to address emerging challenges in animal health and aquatic production systems.
According to him, veterinary medicine remains essential to national growth through disease prevention, food safety, livestock development, zoonotic disease control, and environmental sustainability.
Also speaking, the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Professor Mathew Adamu, advised the newly inducted doctors to remain committed to ethical conduct, professionalism, and lifelong learning.
He urged them to become worthy representatives of the profession by contributing meaningfully to research, innovation, and quality veterinary services across the country.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of the university, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Mrs C. D. Tuleun, congratulated the graduates on their successful induction and commended the Veterinary Council of Nigeria for maintaining high standards in veterinary education and practice.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the President VCN Award of Excellence to Dr Luka Ntorey as the overall best graduating student in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement.
The induction ceremony further reflected the council’s commitment to advancing veterinary education and strengthening professional excellence in Nigeria.
Hauwa M.
