The Enugu State Veterinary School and Investigation Centre, Achi, has inducted 96 para-veterinary graduates and issued them with certificates of operation.
The induction was done during the Enugu State 2025 World Veterinary Day Celebration with the theme: “Animal health takes a team”.
Declaring the event open in Enugu on Monday, Governor Peter Mbah acknowledged the relentless commitment and excellence of veterinary professionals across the globe.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, the governor said that the theme: “Animal health takes a team,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of collaboration required to secure the health of animals, communities and the environment.
The governor said the state believes building a robust animal health system is a team effort; a synergy among veterinarians, para-veterinarians, policymakers, farmers, academics, and community stakeholders.
“In Enugu State; together, we are driving a transformative agenda that bolsters not only animal health but also our nation’s agriculture and food security,” he said.
Gov. Mbah appreciated the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), its president and council for hosting this year’s national celebration in Enugu, while congratulating the newly-inducted and certified para-veterinary professionals.
He lauded the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) for inaugurating the Veterinary Practice and Premises Regulations Committee, adding that the committee will play a critical role in ensuring veterinary practices and facilities meet the highest standards, quality and accountability in Enugu State.
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The governor highlighted some of the numerous transformative projects initiated under his administration which had significantly revolutionised agricultural and the veterinary system in the state.
“The Enugu State Anti-Open Grazing and Ranching Control Acts which have been signed into law; thus, positioning the state at the forefront of organised and sustainable livestock farming so as to put a permanent end to the issues of farmers-herders crisis.
“Thus, de-risking the entire livestock value chain in the state for potential investors.
“Revamping of the School of Veterinary and Investigation Centre, Achi in Oji River Local Government Area through which the state has elevated veterinary education and training to international standards.
“I am happy that today the Veterinary Council of Nigeria has recognised the state government’s efforts in this direction by certifying our para-veterinary graduates.
“Upgrading and transforming of the state veterinary clinic facility into a state-of-the-art artificial insemination centre and diagnostic centre, thereby enhancing our capabilities in livestock reproduction and disease management,” he said.
The governor said that his administration had deployed strategic initiatives to revamp the entire agricultural value chain in the state.
President of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, appreciated the state government for accepting to host the event, stating that the state was chosen based on its friendly and people-focused agricultural programmes and policies.
Arokoyo, represented by Dr. Godwin Abonyi, who also doubled as the chairman of the event, said that the event is an annual one aimed at sensitising the society on the importance of veterinary medicine in national development.
He noted that the association had made remarkable strides in partnership with institutions like NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and key players in the livestock and pharmaceutical industries.
Also speaking, the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Prof. Matthew Adamu, with the acting Registrar of the Council, Dr. Fadipe Oladotun, inducted and certified the 96 new para-veterinary graduates.
They urged the graduates to abide by the oath they had taken and be positive example and good ambassador of the profession.
The event was organised by the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation in collaboration with the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association.
