The Veterinary Council of Nigeria has inducted 32 graduates of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi into the veterinary profession during the institution’s 17th Oath-Taking and Induction Ceremony for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduands.
The ceremony, held on Friday at the Richard Kimbir Senate Building in Makurdi, saw the Registrar of the Council, Dr. Fadipe Oladotun, administer the oath of allegiance and formally induct the graduates on behalf of the Council.
Speaking at the event, in a statement by the Head, Press & Public Relations, Madina Gertrude on Saturday, the keynote speaker, Dr. Muyiwa Benedict, urged the newly inducted veterinary doctors to uphold the ethics, integrity and professional standards of the profession.
Addressing the theme of the ceremony, “Veterinary Medicine at the Frontier: Unlocking Aquatic Animal Health and the Blue Economy in Nigeria,” Benedict underscored the strategic role of veterinarians in promoting aquatic animal health, food security, public health and sustainable economic growth through Nigeria’s blue economy.
He encouraged the new professionals to embrace innovation, continuous learning and interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling emerging challenges in animal health and production systems, particularly in the aquatic sector.
According to him, the veterinary profession remains vital to national development through disease control, food safety, zoonotic disease prevention, livestock development and environmental sustainability.
Also speaking, the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Prof. Mathew Adamu, charged the fresh graduates to remain committed to professionalism, ethical conduct and lifelong learning. He urged them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the profession through quality veterinary services, research and innovation.
Representing the Vice Chancellor of the university, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Mrs. C. D. Tuleun, congratulated the graduates and commended the Veterinary Council for sustaining high standards in veterinary education and practice in Nigeria.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the President VCN Award of Excellence to Dr. Luka Ntorey, who emerged as the overall best graduating student.
The event attracted dignitaries from academia, the veterinary profession, government agencies, parents and well-wishers, marking another milestone in the Council’s efforts to strengthen veterinary education and professional excellence in Nigeria.