By Abubakar Imam

A Professor at the Department of Theriogenology and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Lukman Oladimeji Raji, has called for the comprehensive review of Veterinary curricula to reflect contemporary developments in reproductive science.

               Prof. Raji made the call last Thursday (July 25, 2025) while delivering the 287th Inaugural Lecture of the University, entitled “Theriogenologist’s Account: Insights into Gender Effects in Veterinary Reproduction” at the University Auditorium. 

               The Inaugural Lecturer, who is a former Head of the Department of Theriogenology, said that it was high-time the nation’s veterinary education evolved to meet modern reproductive science needs.

               He explained that Faculties of Veterinary Medicine should revise Theriogenology curricula to include reproductive ultrasonography, semen cryo-preservation and extender development, biostatistics for fertility data interpretation, gender-sensitive approaches to reproductive health and climate change impacts on fertility.

               Prof. Raji also said that Postgraduate Diploma and certificate programmes should be developed for practicing veterinarians in reproductive biotechnology, breeding herd management, and Artificial Insemination.  He suggested that Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in reproductive medicine must be made mandatory for license renewal.

               The Inaugural Lecturer also said that research, no matter how groundbreaking, must ultimately speak to policy and practice as he said that the true worth of knowledge is seen in its power to inform decisions, shape institutions, and empower communities.

               Prof. Raji, who described Theriogenology as the science of animal reproduction, said that it was high time it was recognised as a strategic pillar in Nigeria’s livestock development agenda.

               He explained that since fertility optimisation is as vital as nutrition or disease control, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with its state counterparts, must establish Reproductive Health Units within Veterinary Services Directorates. He noted that these units will be responsible for championing fertility management, artificial insemination, breeding soundness evaluation, estrus synchronisation, and genetic improvement strategies.

               The don added that livestock extension programmes must prioritise reproductive efficiency as a measurable productivity indicator, adding that policy documents such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) should explicitly allocate funding and operational roles for veterinary reproduction experts. He said that his suggestion can be achieved through inter- ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and aligning reproductive innovations with national food security strategies.

               Prof. Raji also called for the institutionalisation of Semen Technology Centers in all Geopolitical Zones, saying that the decentralisation of reproductive technology access is crucial for better livestock production.

               He explained that semen collection, evaluation, and cryopreservation centres should be established in each of the nation’s six geopolitical zones. These centers, according to him, should house facilities for semen analysis, extender preparation, cold chain storage, and distribution logistics.

               Prof. Raji said that each centre should also operate as a public-private-academic partnership and hosted within veterinary teaching hospitals, animal health institutes, or livestock training centres, noting that “zonal centres will enhance regional autonomy in breeding programmes, provide semen from climate-adapted superior sires, and reduce overreliance on imported genetics.”

               According to him, these centres can also serve as training hubs for veterinarians, paravets, and livestock officers, embedding semen science into practical field applications as he also suggested that community cooperatives and pastoralist groups must be engaged as both contributors and beneficiaries.

               Prof. Raji also called for the subsidisation of Scaled Artificial Insemination Services as he noted that a critical constraint to artificial insemination uptake in Nigeria is cost.

               The don suggested that governments should offer subsidised artificial insemination services to rural farmers using proven extenders and synchronised ovulation protocols as he said that artificial insemination kits can be incorporated into agro-input distributions managed by Agricultural Development Programmes.

               He explained that subsidised artificial insemination would not only improve calving/kidding rates but also reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases as it would also allow for controlled breeding, reduce unwanted pregnancies, and conserve endangered indigenous breeds.

               The Inaugural Lecturer also called for the integration of reproductive health into One Health Surveillance as he said that reproductive indicators such as abortion rates, dystocia frequency, semen abnormality and hormonal disorder are often early warnings of zoonotic infections, environmental toxicity, and climate-induced stressors.

               He also suggested that veterinary teaching hospitals and livestock clinics should develop reproductive health dashboards aligned with national disease reporting systems like the National Animal Disease Information System (NADIS), noting that data harmonisation between ministries of agriculture, health, and environment will enable predictive modeling of outbreaks and reproductive crises.

               Prof. Raji also called on universities and veterinary institutions to expand their extension roles by anchoring Community-Based Breeding Programmes (CBBPs). He said that these should integrate breeding soundness evaluations, fertility screening, Artificial Insemination campaigns, and reproductive health education.

               He suggested that each CBBP should train local champions to carry out follow-up evaluations and encourage data recording, saying that the outcome would be sustainable livestock improvement, enhanced academic impact, and rural community development.                The Inaugural Lecture, which was attended by dignitaries from far and near including Principal Officers of the University, relations, and colleagues of Prof. Raji as well as students, was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Fawole.