From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Professor Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has been elected Provost of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN).
Junaidu, a Professor of Veterinary Public Health, emerged from an election conducted among Fellows of the College from across Nigeria.
The result was announced in Abuja by the Electoral Committee, chaired by Professor Caleb Kudi, following the completion of the electoral process.
The College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria is the country’s premier postgraduate professional institution responsible for specialist veterinary training and the advancement of veterinary practice.
Junaidu’s campaign was built around a vision to reposition the College through professional excellence, stronger specialist training, institutional development, greater national relevance and improved global competitiveness.
His candidacy received endorsements from Fellows across the country and colleagues in the diaspora, reflecting support for his experience, leadership record and vision for the College.
Junaidu outlines agenda
In his acceptance speech, Junaidu thanked the Fellows for the confidence reposed in him, describing his election as a collective responsibility rather than a personal achievement.
He said his administration would prioritise the strengthening of postgraduate specialist and residency training while maintaining high professional standards.
He also pledged to review and modernise training programmes to address emerging veterinary challenges and promote research, innovation, digital transformation and evidence-based specialist practice.
According to him, the administration will strengthen collaboration with universities, veterinary institutions, government agencies, professional bodies and international partners.
Junaidu further promised to improve the visibility and recognition of veterinary specialists in Nigeria and internationally, while strengthening continuing professional development and mentorship programmes for young veterinarians and aspiring specialists.
He said the welfare and professional interests of Fellows would remain central to his administration.
Other priorities outlined by the new Provost include improving institutional governance, transparency, accountability and financial sustainability, as well as strengthening the contribution of veterinary specialists to One Health, food safety, food security, livestock development and zoonotic disease control.
He also pledged to promote unity and inclusiveness across the College’s faculties, generations and geographical zones.
Junaidu said the College must continue to evolve into a strong and forward-looking institution capable of producing veterinary specialists equipped to address Nigeria’s changing animal health, public health, food security and livestock development needs.
Extensive experience
The new Provost brings extensive experience in academia, veterinary clinical and public health practice, research, university administration and government service.
At Usmanu Danfodiyo University, he has served in several leadership positions, including Head of Department, Deputy Dean, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Director of the University Development Office and Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies.
He has also held leadership positions within the wider veterinary academic community.
In public service, Junaidu served as Commissioner for Animal Health and Fisheries Development in Sokoto State, with additional responsibilities in the agricultural sector at different times.
During his tenure, he was associated with initiatives aimed at expanding veterinary services, providing veterinary equipment and mobility, strengthening artificial insemination and embryo-transfer programmes, improving disease surveillance and annual vaccination programmes, developing pasture and dairy production, and rehabilitating veterinary and abattoir infrastructure.
Among the initiatives was the establishment of veterinary presence across the 26 local government areas and 87 districts of Sokoto State.
He also supported the strengthening of 24-hour veterinary services at the main veterinary clinic, the development of an Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Centre with a liquid nitrogen facility, and efforts towards the establishment of a Veterinary Specialist Hospital.
Calls for unity
Junaidu expressed appreciation to Fellows of the College, including his teachers, mentors, senior colleagues, contemporaries and younger Fellows, for their encouragement, endorsements and votes during the election.
He also commended the Electoral Committee, led by Professor Caleb Kudi, for its role in conducting the election.
Calling for unity among Fellows, Junaidu said the conclusion of the electoral process should mark the beginning of a collective effort to strengthen the College.
“The election is over, and the responsibility of building our College belongs to all of us. I accept this mandate with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.”
He added that his administration would work to reposition the College as “a stronger, more visible, innovative and globally competitive institution” serving the veterinary profession, Nigeria and society.
Junaidu pledged to work with the Deputy Provost, Professor Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, the leadership and governing structures of the College, Faculties, Fellows and other stakeholders to implement what he described as an inclusive and progressive agenda.
He called on all Fellows, regardless of their positions during the election, to join hands in building a College anchored on excellence, professionalism, inclusiveness, innovation, integrity and service.
The new Provost also assured Fellows that his administration would remain open to constructive ideas and partnerships, noting that the strength of the College lies in the collective knowledge, experience and commitment of its members.
He concluded by thanking members of the veterinary profession, colleagues, students, friends, well-wishers and members of the public for their congratulatory messages and prayers.
“This mandate belongs to all Fellows. Together, we shall consolidate the achievements of our predecessors, address emerging challenges and take the College to greater heights.”
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