SPEECH DELIVERED BY AIG AISHATU ABUBAKAR BAJU, DVM, PhD, FCVSN, NPOM, OON, mni, PRESIDENT, VETERINARY COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (VCN), AT THE OATH-TAKING CEREMONY OF THE GRADUATES OF THE FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA, ON TUESDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY, 2025

Protocols

Vice-Chancellor, distinguished members of the University management, esteemed faculty members, proud parents and guardians, invited guests, and most importantly, our brand new graduates Veterinary Doctors,

It is with great honor and profound joy that I stand before you today at this 11th Oath-Taking Ceremony of the University of Abuja’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This occasion holds special significance for me—not only as a celebration of your achievements but also as one of my final assignments as President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN). There is no better place to conclude this journey than here, among the next generation of veterinary professionals at home.

Being establishment in 1953, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) is

 the oldest regulatory body in the country, entrusted with ensuring excellence in the training and practice of veterinary medicine. Our mandate is clear:
1. Setting and maintaining high professional and ethical standards
2. Regulating veterinary education and accreditation of training institutions
3. Upholding continuous professional development through Continuing Education programs
4. Ensuring that registered Veterinary Surgeons remain committed to integrity, discipline, and best practices

Your oath-taking today is not just a tradition—it is a defining moment in your career. The oath you take marks your legal entry into the veterinary profession in Nigeria and beyond, as enshrined in the Veterinary Surgeons Act. With this oath comes a great responsibility:

• Upholding the ethics of the profession – treating all clients and patients with fairness, respect, and dignity

• Maintaining personal and professional integrity – fostering mutual respect among colleagues

• Ensuring compliance with VCN regulations – including the annual renewal of your now fully digitized practice license

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria stands as the guardian of the profession, ensuring that all practitioners adhere to these principles. Those who violate the Code of Ethics will be held accountable.

At this point, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for their unwavering support of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Their commitment has played a pivotal role in shaping the training of this new generation of veterinary professionals.

The VCN remains dedicated to supporting institutions like yours, ensuring that veterinary graduates acquire Day 1 Competencies and align with global best practices.

As new graduates, you are stepping into the profession at a pivotal time. The President of Nigeria, Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, has placed great emphasis on the veterinary profession through the Renewed Hope Agenda on National Livestock Reform. His establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development and the Presidential Committee for Renewed Hope Livestock Reforms Implementation, of which I am a proud member, reflects a national commitment to:

• Enhancing livestock productivity

• Improving veterinary service delivery

• Addressing emerging and re-emerging animal diseases, including zoonoses

In response, the VCN has introduced groundbreaking technological solutions to strengthen the profession and eliminate quackery:
The Veterinary Seal – ensuring authenticity in veterinary documentation
The Veterinary App – enhancing access to professional resources
Digitized Veterinary Practice License – simplifying renewals and compliance
Geomapping of Veterinary Practice Premises – improving regulation and service delivery

Today, I am proud to announce that our ongoing VCN election is fully digitized, a milestone that has positioned Nigeria as a leader in veterinary regulation across Africa. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the FAO have adopted our digitization model as a benchmark for other regulatory bodies across the continent—an achievement we should all celebrate!

I urge you to embrace these advancements and work with the Council to uphold the integrity of our noble profession.

We recognize the growing need for employment opportunities for young veterinarians. The VCN is actively developing policies and partnerships to create more career pathways, including:

• Collaboration with African countries to enable free movement and work opportunities within the West African sub-region

• Discussions with veterinary councils in Africa and the UK to achieve reciprocity, allowing Nigerian veterinarians to work abroad without additional certification exams

• Public and private sector engagement to create more veterinary roles within Nigeria

These efforts are aimed at tackling unemployment and ensuring that our young veterinarians have access to thriving and fulfilling careers.

Finally, my dear colleagues, as you embark on this exciting journey, remember:
Veterinary Medicine is not just a profession—it is a calling.
You are now custodians of animal health, public health, and food security.
Your expertise is critical to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and disease control efforts.

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria is here to mentor and support you every step of the way. We look forward to seeing you excel and make significant contributions to our nation and beyond.

On behalf of the distinguished Members of the Board and staff of the Council, I warmly welcome you into this noble profession. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to your parents, lecturers, and the entire University of Abuja community for their dedication to shaping the next generation of veterinary leaders.

May Allah bless us all as we return safely to our respective homes.

Thank you.