The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has charged new veterinary doctors of the University to uphold the ethics and values of their profession while ensuring food safety and safeguarding public health.
Prof. Akanwa gave the charge while addressing graduands of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) during the 12th Induction and Oath-taking Ceremony organised by the University in collaboration with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) on Wednesday.
The VC, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Nneoma Elechi Obasi, said the induction confers legal rights on the graduands to practice Veterinary Medicine and places on them the responsibility of safeguarding animal health, food systems and public health.
“Today is not merely ceremonial; it marks the transition of our graduands into professionals entrusted with the health of animals, the safety of our food systems and the protection of public health,” she said.
She stressed that the ceremony reflects the University’s mandate to produce professionals with competence, character and conscience, describing the new veterinarians as critical to agricultural growth and national food security.
The VC also commended the Veterinary Council of Nigeria for granting full accreditation to the University’s Veterinary programme and acknowledged the partnerships with industry operators that support practical training of MOUAU Vet. students.
On its part, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, led by its President, Prof. Mathew Adamu and Ag. Registrar, Dr. Oladotun Fadipe, while issuing practising licenses to the graduands, congratulated the University for regularly churning out quality DVM Graduands, who are found worthy in learning and character.
A total of 48 DVM Graduands were inducted into the profession, with Dr Chimezie Amarachi Blessing emerging as the overall best graduating student, and Dr Aniorji Sandra Chinonso won the Farm Alert Award.
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