The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) and the Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria (CVSN) have charged newly inducted Fellows to play key roles in transforming the country’s livestock sector, protecting animal health, and ensuring food security. The call was made during the 5th Convocation and 7th Investiture of Fellows of the CVSN, jointly organised by the VCN and the College.

Acting Provost of the College, Professor Adamu Hassan, described the fellowship as the highest level of professional veterinary training in Nigeria, requiring candidates to qualify as veterinary doctors, earn master’s and PhD degrees, and complete at least three years of intensive professional training. He said the rigours of the programme had prepared the new Fellows to excel in their roles, adding that the qualification should enhance their effectiveness in their various offices.

VCN President, Professor Mathew Adamu, congratulated the Fellows, describing their induction as “a call to greater service” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s livestock transformation agenda. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to high training and practice standards to produce veterinarians capable of combating zoonotic diseases, improving protein supply, and reducing dependence on imported livestock products.

Representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Permanent Secretary Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi highlighted the national importance of the occasion, noting that Fellows contribute to disease surveillance, animal welfare, diagnostics, and livestock development. She urged veterinarians to be bold, ethical, and visionary, while calling on the College and Council to align training with national livestock policies, promote inter-professional collaboration, and deepen specialisation to meet emerging challenges in the sector.