UNILORIN inducts 32 new vet doctors
…charges on profession, innovation
By Mustafa Abubakar
The University of Ilorin has inducted 32 graduates of its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine into the veterinary profession, charging them to uphold professional integrity, embrace innovation and remain committed to lifelong learning and service to humanity.
The event, which was the eighth since the establishment of the Faculty, was held last (Monday, October 12, 2026) at the University Auditorium in the presence of parents, guardians, friends and well-wishers of the inductees.
The ceremony also brought together members of the University Management, representatives of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), government officials, professional bodies, academics, parents, guardians, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the new veterinary doctors.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, congratulated the graduands for successfully completing their academic and professional training.
He described the induction as an important transition from students to professionals, urging the new veterinarians to uphold the University’s values of excellence, discipline, integrity and service, while contributing to animal health, public health, food security and national development.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Farm Alert, Dr Femi Kayode, challenged the new veterinarians to embrace emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, without losing human judgement and professional values.
Speaking on “The Veterinarian in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Embracing Innovations Without Losing the Human Touch,” Dr Kayode said technology was transforming information access, diagnosis and service delivery.
He identified AI applications in differential diagnosis, clinical documentation, client communication, research, literature reviews and professional development, but cautioned that it should complement rather than replace professional judgement.
Dr Kayode urged the graduates to verify critical information, especially drug dosage, withdrawal periods and drug interactions, and develop innovative solutions to local problems.
In his address, the President of the VCN, Prof. Mathew Adamu, congratulated the graduands and emphasised the importance of professional registration and compliance with regulations guiding veterinary practice.
He urged them to protect the integrity of the profession, maintain high ethical standards and continually update their knowledge as Veterinary Medicine evolves.
In his remarks, the Registrar of the VCN, Dr Oladotun Fadipe, explained that the induction was essential to the recognition of the graduates as veterinary doctors.
He said the process provided the professional and regulatory framework required for practice and informed the inductees that they would receive their provisional certificates and take the Veterinary Oath.
Dr Fadipe reminded them that practising licences must be renewed annually, stressing that the VCN did not operate a lifetime membership arrangement. He encouraged them to maintain contact with the Council through its offices across the country.
In her goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, congratulated the graduands and urged them to use their training to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the society.
She emphasised the connection between animal and human health and encouraged the new veterinarians to embrace the One Health Approach, while remaining committed to professionalism, continuous learning and community service.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Saliu A. Ameen, described the ceremony as a day of celebration, fulfilment and thanksgiving.
He said the induction marked the assumption of professional responsibilities by a new generation of veterinarians, adding that their training had equipped them with intellectual discipline, resilience and clinical competence.
Prof. Ameen said veterinary medicine occupied a unique position at the intersection of animal, human and environmental health, making veterinarians important participants in the One Health agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Dr Halimat Adedeji Olanshile appreciated the lecturers and mentors for their guidance and the parents and guardians for their sacrifices.
She reminded her colleagues that the white coat represented not only academic achievement but professional responsibility, urging them to uphold compassion, integrity, excellence and resilience.
