The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan has inducted 90 new veterinary medical doctors, marking a significant milestone in its 60-year history of excellence in veterinary education. The induction ceremony, themed “60 Years of Veterinary Education: The Goals, the Gains, and the Gaps,” was held in collaboration with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN).
Highlighting the academic achievements of the new doctors, 11 graduates were awarded distinctions. The oath-taking ceremony was administered by the Acting Registrar of the VCN, Dr. Oladotun Fadipe.
Dr. Adebanji Adeniyi, who delivered the induction lecture, emphasized the importance of upholding professionalism and ethical standards in veterinary medical practice. He urged the new doctors to remain committed to these values as they embark on their careers.
Prof. Olufunke Ola-Davies, Dean of the Faculty, encouraged the inductees to serve as exemplary ambassadors of the profession. In an exclusive interview, she reflected on her tenure as Dean, during which she secured full accreditation for the faculty from the National University Commission shortly after assuming office. This was a significant achievement, as the faculty had been operating under interim accreditation when she took over.
Prof. Ola-Davies expressed gratitude to the university’s management for providing her with a strong platform to lead. She also highlighted the progress made in staff development, noting that since she became Dean, five Readers, six Senior Lecturers, and fifteen Professors have been promoted. Additionally, 23 new lecturers were employed, and 12 students received scholarships covering full tuition and monthly stipends of N30,000, courtesy of a faculty alumnus.
The Dean also outlined the faculty’s recent infrastructural developments, including the completion of the Virology and Parasitology Laboratory, renovation of the faculty’s administrative building (White House), the construction of a Research and Development building, and the upgrade of various classrooms and the faculty auditorium. The faculty also acquired new equipment, including microscopes, ultrasound machines, and a digital X-ray machine, supported by a 45 kVA Mikano generator for power backup.
Prof. Basil Ikede, a member of the faculty’s first graduating class in 1967, congratulated the faculty on its achievements and encouraged the new doctors to practice with confidence.
The induction ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Musa Alasa Yusuf, Managing Director of Adamore Nig. LTD, who chaired the event, and the Former Governor of Oyo State, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Dr. Suraju Ajiboye.
The five-day celebration also featured a range of activities, including free anti-rabies vaccinations for dogs, health checks, a Vet fair gallery, a funfair walk show, a dog show, a career talk for secondary school students, and a visit to an orphanage. The pre-induction dinner and alumni homecoming event featured a performance by Chief Prof. Ebenezer Obey and the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals and students.
By Ebubedike Ochu
