Induction Day Triumph: VCN Welcomes 79 New Veterinary Professionals from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UI

On Friday, 28th of July, 2023, a remarkable event took place at the faculty auditorium as the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) proudly inducted not less than 79 graduates of the faculty of veterinary medicine into the noble profession. The 52nd oath-taking and induction ceremony of the 2021/2022 veterinary graduates from the University of Ibadan (UI) was a momentous occasion that celebrated academic excellence and dedication to the field.

The ceremony commenced at 10:13am and continued until 1:50 pm, witnessing inspiring speeches and accolades from esteemed personalities. 

Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, the Vice Chancellor of the university, delivered a motivating address, praising the inductees for their outstanding achievements despite the challenges they encountered during their educational journey. He emphasized the importance of embodying honesty, integrity, and uprightness in all their future endeavours, acknowledging that UI not only instills a culture of academic excellence but also cultivates good and impeccable character among its graduates.

Professor Olufunke Ola-Davies, the Dean of the faculty, offered her warm congratulations to the inductees, highlighting their rigorous training and responsibilities as they step into their professional roles. She proudly boasted of the faculty's reputation for great research output, while acknowledging its unique status as the flagship of veterinary education in Nigeria and beyond, setting high standards both academically and professionally.

During the ceremony, accolades were extended to the newly appointed SSG to the Governor of Oyo State, Professor O. Adeyemo, as well as recent chairman and secretary of the Deans and directors of veterinary schools in Nigeria, Professor Olufunke Ola-Davies and Professor J.O Olopade, respectively. The Dean also acknowledged the commendable efforts of four UI veterinary students who pursued internships abroad, attributing their success to the dedication of the faculty's scientists and lecturers.

The induction lecturer, Doctor Abib Olamitoye, shared a compelling success story of resilience and determination. He emphasized the philosophy of "Think big, start small," which propelled him from humble beginnings to establishing the successful Tolu Medical Center. Through the power of incremental improvements and prudent financial management, he transformed his small venture into a renowned medical institution.

In the spirit of continuous growth, Doctor Olamitoye urged the inductees to constantly seek knowledge by reading and learning from accomplished individuals in their desired fields. He stressed the importance of treating life as a business, with an understanding of the value of saving and becoming top performers. His inspiring words resonated deeply with the audience, instilling a sense of purpose and aspiration among the graduates.

Representing the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, AIG (Dr) Aishat A. Banju, through Dr. Kayode Femi, acknowledged the growth of the veterinary profession in Nigeria, owing to the establishment of more veterinary schools. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the VCN's code of conduct, which outlines ethical principles to guide the inductees in their practice.

The highlight of the ceremony was the solemn oath-taking by the 52nd inductees into the Veterinary profession, guided by the Veterinary Council Registrar, Dr. Oladotun E. Fadipe. The hall reverberated with the powerful commitment of Unibadan's newest Veterinarians to uphold the principles and values of their noble profession.

During the award segment, Dr. Adebowale Ezekiel, the Best Graduating Male student, and Dr. Ajao Jadesola, the Best Graduating Female student, received cash prizes of #100,000 each from the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale who also promised to continue to give veterinary graduates who clinch 6 distinctions or more in subsequent ceremonies. Dr. Abib Olamitoye also awarded them the same amount. Additionally, they were both honored with the Pathfinder award, receiving #125,000 each.

An outlier award, accompanied by a cash prize of #100,000, was presented by Farmalert to Dr. Bolaji Olutunji Anuoluwa. The top 3 students from each class in the faculty were also recognized with awards, and the overall bests were presented with the Pathfinder award, each receiving #25,000.

In recognition of excellence in Veterinary Public health, Dr. Akinniyi Hafeez was awarded #100,000 courtesy of Dr. Yakubu Owolabi from the United States. Dr. Ohore Michael received the distinguished Silas Nwuka award. These winners were announced by the Sub-dean Undergraduate, Dr. Oluwaseun Ogundijo.

A Distinguished Alumnus award was presented to Dr. Suraju Adeshina, and several other awards to dignitaries such as Dr. Puspa Ramloo, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, Dr. Abib Olamitoye, Dr. Oladotun Fadipe, Dr. Adeyemi and Dr. Mrs. Florence Ajimobi who was duly represented by Mr. Bolaji Olatunji. A Legend award was presented to the Late Professor Bankole Oke, and it was received by his amiable wife, Professor Gbemisola Oke.

Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, the Father of the day, motivated the newly inducted veterinarians not to fear the outside world, as their training at UI has prepared them well for any challenges they may encounter. He pledged to support the development of other veterinary medical students across all levels by donating 2000 birds along with necessary equipment, facilities, feeds, and medications.

NVMA president, Dr. Catherine Adetuberu, represented by Dr. Arokoyo, emphasized the significance of integrity in every aspect of life, concluding with a quote that resonated deeply with the audience: "Work more than you earn, eventually you will earn more than you work."

Dr. Arokoyo appreciated the class rep and assistant rep of the Inductees, Dr Akanbi and Dr Bolaji-Olatunji respectively, gifting them #50,000 each. Added to this was #100,000 each from Dr Musa Alasa. Dr Arokoyo also presented the last inductee to receive her certificate, Dr Feyisetan Eniola Wilson, with #50,000 to emphasize the message that coming last in one event does not define one's future success.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished personalities, including Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, the DVC (Research innovation and strategic partnerships), Professor Keye Abiona, the Dean of the students, Professor Oyefunke A. Odunola, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, and other HODs and staff of the faculty.

The induction ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks given by the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Olufunke Ola-Davies, at exactly 1:50 pm, leaving the attendees inspired and hopeful for a brighter future in veterinary medicine.