Historic Move: Veterinary Council of Nigeria Welcomes NAAHT President to Board, Signaling Unity and Progress

Abuja, Nigeria – March. 1st, 2025 – In a landmark decision poised to reshape the landscape of animal health in Nigeria, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, OON, mni, President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), has inducted Mr. Salihu Abubakar, National President of the Nigerian Association of Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists (NAAHHT), as a member of the VCN Board. This historic move marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration and addressing long-standing challenges within the nation's animal health system.

The inclusion of the NAAHT President on the VCN Board has been eagerly anticipated by stakeholders across the sector. For years, the relationship between veterinarians and animal health technologists has faced complexities, leading to operational inefficiencies and hindering the optimal delivery of animal health services. This appointment is seen as a pivotal moment to bridge the gap, streamline operations, and drive sustainable growth.

"This is a momentous occasion for the animal health sector in Nigeria," stated AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju during the induction ceremony. "By bringing Mr. Salihu Abubakar onto the VCN Board, we are demonstrating our commitment to unity and collaboration. We recognize the invaluable role that animal health technologists play in our ecosystem, and we are dedicated to working together to enhance the overall health and welfare of animals in Nigeria."

Mr. Salihu Abubakar expressed his gratitude for the appointment, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to addressing the challenges facing the sector. "This is a significant step towards recognizing the contributions of animal health technologists," he said. "We are eager to work alongside the VCN to develop and implement strategies that will strengthen our animal health system and ensure that Nigeria becomes a model for other African countries."

The move is expected to address several key issues that have impeded the rapid growth of the animal health system, including:

• Clarification of roles and responsibilities: The collaboration will help define and delineate the roles of veterinarians and animal health technologists, ensuring a more efficient and coordinated approach to service delivery.
• Improved training and capacity building: Joint initiatives will be launched to enhance the skills and knowledge of animal health professionals, ensuring they are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the sector.
• Enhanced disease surveillance and control: Collaborative efforts will strengthen disease surveillance and control mechanisms, safeguarding animal health and public health.
• Standardization of practices: The move seeks to harmonize animal health practices across the country, ensuring consistent and high-quality service delivery.

Stakeholders believe that this collaborative approach will not only improve animal health outcomes but also contribute to food security, economic growth, and public health in Nigeria. The move is also expected to position Nigeria as a leader in animal health practices within the African continent, serving as a benchmark for other nations.

The VCN and NAAHT have pledged to work closely together to implement the vision of a unified and robust animal health system. This historic appointment marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and progress, one that promises to transform the animal health landscape in Nigeria.

Others inducted into the Veterinary Council board include the Dean of three universities, namely, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, the University of Ilorin, and the University of Abuja.