Embrace AI, veterinary council tells 45 new FUNAAB doctors

The newly inducted Vertinary Doctors of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and some of the principal officers of the university.

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria has urged 45 newly inducted veterinary doctors of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, to embrace artificial intelligence and other technological innovations to improve animal healthcare.

The council’s President, Prof. Matthew Adamu, gave the charge on Thursday during the induction of the 18th set of veterinary doctors produced by the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

The ceremony, held at the Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, was themed, “Leading the Future of Veterinary Medicine: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Healthier Animals and Communities.”

Adamu congratulated the university on producing its 18th set of veterinary doctors, describing the milestone as evidence of the college’s sustained commitment to professional training.

Addressing the inductees, he urged them to pursue professional excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship, noting that veterinary medicine offered career opportunities beyond conventional government employment.

Adamu said, “I hereby urge the inductees to embrace professional excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship, and you must also know that veterinary medicine offers opportunities beyond conventional government employment.

“I encourage you to pursue professionalism and carve a niche for yourself, become internationally competitive while remaining locally relevant without losing sight of integrity and strict adherence to professional ethics which must guide your careers at all times.”

The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Head of the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology, Prof. Francis Showemimo, described the induction as an important contribution to veterinary education and national development.

Kehinde congratulated the graduates and commended their dedication and perseverance, as well as the support of their parents, guardians and sponsors.

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He reaffirmed the university management’s commitment to improving the college’s infrastructure, developing its workforce and providing a conducive environment for teaching and research.

Earlier, the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Michael Takeet, described the induction as the culmination of years of commitment and sacrifice.

Takeet attributed the college’s achievements to the contributions of successive leaders, staff, students and alumni, while acknowledging its founding father, Prof. Babatunde Otesile, for laying the foundation for its development.

He also disclosed that five alumni of the college passed the Membership Examination of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, United Kingdom, in May 2026, qualifying them for professional practice as veterinary surgeons in the UK.

Delivering the keynote lecture, the Chief Executive Officer of Farm Alert, Dr Kayode Femi, urged the inductees to build their careers around responsibility, curiosity and courage.

He encouraged them to keep learning, question existing practices and apply their knowledge to solving problems in the profession.

Femi also urged them to pursue ambitious ideas and create opportunities rather than allow their age or circumstances to limit their aspirations.

He challenged them to improve public perception of veterinary medicine through innovation, commitment and purposeful leadership.

Administering the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine oath, the Acting Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr Oladotun Fadipe, warned the inductees against compromising professional standards for immediate financial gains or personal convenience.