The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan, UI, marked its 60th anniversary in grand style, culminating in the 53rd Oath-taking and Induction Ceremony for the 2022/2023 graduates.
On August 2, 2024, 90 new veterinary medical doctors took their professional oath and were officially inducted into the veterinary field. The event was part of the faculty’s diamond jubilee celebration, with the theme: “60 Years of Veterinary Education: The Goals, the Gains, and the Gaps.”
The induction ceremony, held in the faculty auditorium, was organized in collaboration with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, VCN. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor K. O. Adebowale, served as the chief host, while AIG (Dr) Aishatu A. Baju, President of the VCN, co-hosted the event. Among the newly inducted veterinarians, 11 distinguished graduates were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.
Acting Registrar of the VCN, Dr. Oladotun E. Fadipe, administered the oath-taking ceremony. The induction lecture was delivered by Dr. Adebanji Adeniyi, who emphasized the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct in veterinary practice.
In her address, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Olufunke Ola-Davies, urged the graduates to uphold the values of their profession and serve as exemplary ambassadors. She also received a goodwill message from Professor Basil Orioghae Ikede, a member of the faculty’s first graduating class in 1967, who congratulated the inductees and encouraged them to carry the title of “Doctor” with pride and humility.
Professor Ola-Davies expressed her pride in leading the faculty during such a momentous time. She highlighted the faculty’s progress, including achieving full accreditation from the National University Commission (NUC), the promotion of academic staff, and significant infrastructure developments.
“The faculty has made remarkable strides, including the completion of the Virology and Parasitology Laboratory, renovation of key facilities, and acquisition of new equipment. These advancements reflect the faculty’s commitment to maintaining its status as a leading institution in veterinary education in Nigeria.”
She explained that the faculty took on a new look at infrastructural development including facilitating the completion of the Virology and Parasitology Laboratory, renovation and painting of the faculty administrative building (White House), donation of an R&D building, the renovation of the faculty boardroom; the renovation of the faculty auditorium, Dean’s conference room as well as the clinical and preclinical classrooms. Also on the list are the digital room with computers and a 5.4kva inverter, 10 Acer projectors distributed into the 10 departments, and the construction of a walkway leading to the auditorium.
The Dean also reported that the faculty now possesses new equipment, inclusive of six binocular microscopes, a compound microscope, two ultrasound machines, a semi-automated microtome, a spectrophotometer, a blood pressure monitor, two otoscopes, a large animal weighing scale and a digital X-ray machine in addition to a 45 kVA Mikano generator to assist in power generation in the faculty auditorium
As part of the 60th-anniversary celebration, which spanned from July 29 to August 2, 2024, the faculty organized a series of events, including a funfair walk, dog show, free anti-rabies vaccinations, and health checks. The celebration also featured career talks for secondary school students, a visit to an orphanage, and a pre-induction dinner with a performance by music legend Chief Prof. Ebenezer Obey.
The anniversary lecture, delivered by Professor Oyewole Tomori on the topic “60 Years of Veterinary Education: The Goals, the Gains, and the Gaps,” provided a reflective look at the faculty’s achievements and future challenges. A novelty match between alumni and students capped off the day’s events.
The ceremony attracted a host of dignitaries, including the Managing Director of Adamore Nig. LTD, Dr. Musa Alasa Yusuf, who served as the chairman of the occasion. The Former Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Sen. Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, represented by Dr. Suraju Ajiboye, was the Father of the Day, while Dame Olufumilayo A. Agbato, CEO of Animal Care Services Konsult Nigeria Ltd., was the Mother of the Day. Special guests of honor included the Oyo State Commissioner of Agriculture & Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, and Sir (Dr.) Kessington Adebunkunola Adebutu.
Other notable attendees included Prof. Peter Olapegba, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration; Prof. Oyeronke A. Odunola, Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and representatives from the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, among others. Distinguished awardees honored at the event included Dr. Tele Kolawole, Dr. Asare Aboagye Yaw, Prof. V.O. Taiwo, Dr. Gani Adeniran, Dr. Adebanji Adeniyi, and Dame Olufunmilayo Agbato.