Professor Gabriel Adetunji Taiwo Ogundipe(GAT Ogundipe), a distinguished figure in Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, has bid farewell to the University of Ibadan after 40 years of teaching. He marked this milestone with a valedictory lecture titled "Veterinary Education: Past, Present, and Future."
The lecture took place at Trenchard Hall on Thursday, November 30th, 2023, with the presence of numerous dignitaries and beneficiaries of Professor Gabriel, along with well-wishers.
During the lecture, Prof. Ogundipe traced the evolution of veterinary medicine globally, its inception in Nigeria, and its establishment at UI. He delved into the current challenges confronting veterinary education, emphasizing issues in curriculum development leading to knowledge overload, inability of veterinarians to meet client expectations, and the inflexibility of the multi-species curriculum.
In addressing these challenges, Professor Ogundipe proposed a restructuring of the curriculum into three specializations: companion animals, food animals, and wildlife and aquatic animals. Additionally, he advocated for the inclusion of veterinary nurses to facilitate the responsibilities of veterinary doctors.
“We propose a speciation curriculum featuring three areas: Companion animals, Food animals, and Wildlife and aquatic animals. The approach will enable students to concentrate on a single option, producing competent veterinary doctors instead of attempting to cover everything comprehensively”, he said in a statement.
'It is imperative to start up veterinary nursing. Nursing will contribute to the principles of nursing, while veterinary medicine will focus on the aspects of veterinary knowledge.'
The occasion also saw the unveiling of a book titled "Blurred Lines of Bloodiness in the Global Health Challenge," serving as a tribute to Prof. GAT O.'s legacy and recognizing the vital role of veterinarians in public health.
Commending Prof. Ogundipe, Prof. Olayinka O. Ishola described him as the embodiment of the acronyms GAT O, symbolizing Grace, Achievement, Talent, and Openness. Other notable figures, including Prof. Olopade, Professor. Adebayo, Dr. Arokoyo, Dr. Fadipe, Dr Olaifa, and Dr Ayorinde echoed these commendations, highlighting the profound impact of the professor on their lives and professions.
Key figures at the event included the Vice Chancellor, represented by Deputy VC Academic, Prof. Aderonke Baiyeroju, the Dean of the Faculty, represented by Professor Olugasa, NVMA President, Dr. Arokoyo, VCN Registrar Dr. Fadipe, Director of Veterinary Teaching Hospital Prof. J.O. Olopade, and Faculty staff.
In his chairman's remark, the Vice Chancellor, represented by the DVC, encouraged the audience to leave a lasting legacy and urged them to contribute positively to society, irrespective of their professions.
The program was concluded with the celebration of Professor Gabriel Adetunji Taiwo's 70th birthday.
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