National

Veterinarians champion National Development: Ajimobi Highlights Role in Achieving Sustainable Goals

Published

1 week ago

February 11, 2025

***As VCN embraces digital technology to enhance professionalism, combat quackery

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Hon. Idris Abiola Ajimobi has delivered a powerful address that underscored the pivotal role of veterinary medicine in national Development.
The event was the 11th oath – taking and White coat Ceremony on promoting One Health and Sustainable Development Goals.
He declared that veterinarians are not only animal doctors but essential architects of Nigeria’s public health, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Delivering the keynote speech at the 11th Oath-Taking and White Coat Ceremony of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, through Professor Demo Kalla Ajimobi’s remarks struck a chord as he tied the profession directly to Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and broader socio-economic reforms.
“The health of our people is directly tied to the health of our livestock, wildlife, and the ecosystems we share,” Ajimobi stated, emphasizing that veterinarians play a pivotal role in eradicating poverty, ensuring food security, and combating climate change.
The ceremony marked the induction of 62 new veterinary graduates and the transition of 500- and 600-level students into their clinical years. But beyond the symbolic donning of white coats, Ajimobi’s message highlighted the profession’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s future.
Ajimobi made a compelling case for veterinarians as frontline defenders of public health and key stakeholders in achieving several SDGs, including, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through safe and sustainable livestock practices.
He listed others to include SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) for Preventing zoonotic diseases and ensuring food safety, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) which Advocates the prudent use of antimicrobials and SDG 15 (Life on Land) for Protection of biodiversity and promoting sustainable animal production.
In a significant policy statement, Ajimobi reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening the livestock sector and the veterinary profession.
“Without strong veterinary professionals, our agricultural reforms will remain incomplete,” he asserted, highlighting upcoming policy interventions and the creation of an enabling environment for professionals and investors alike.
This focus according to him, aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to become a leader in sustainable agriculture and biosecurity, positioning veterinarians as indispensable contributors to national growth.
Ajimobi’s admonished the new graduates to embrace the future with innovation, collaboration, and resilience.
He urged them to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements while maintaining the soft skills and character traits that define the veterinary profession—compassion, empathy, integrity, and resilience.
“You are stepping into a profession that has the power to transform lives, communities, and nations,” he said, encouraging them to pursue careers not only in clinical practice but also in research, policy development, and agribusiness.
The SSA stressed on the positive reforms of Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for strengthening the livestock industry and unleash its potentials for shared prosperity and job creation.
The lecture also advise the newly inducted veterinarians to be part of renewed hope agenda for the co creation of a vibrant livestock industry that is safe, environmentally freindly and globally competitive and meeting self sufficiency in animal sourced foods.
In what she called one of her final official duties as President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, addressed the graduates with a mixture of pride and challenge. “You are stepping into the profession at a pivotal time in Nigeria’s history,” she said, emphasizing the critical role veterinarians will play in the country’s newly launched National Livestock Reforms.
She pointed out that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the government has launched a Renewed Hope Agenda focused on overhauling the livestock sector.
The creation of a Ministry of Livestock Development and a Presidential Committee for Renewed Hope Livestock Reforms, on which Dr. Baju serves, signals a new era of support for animal health professionals.
She admonished the new inductees to contribute to improving livestock productivity, tackling zoonotic diseases, and modernizing veterinary service delivery across Nigeria.
But perhaps the most striking takeaway from the ceremony was how the veterinary profession itself is evolving.
Under Dr. Baju’s leadership, the VCN has embraced digital technology to enhance professionalism, fight quackery, and streamline practice management. Innovations include Digital Veterinary Practice Licenses, now fully online, The introduction of a Veterinary Seal to verify official documents, A comprehensive Veterinary App connecting practitioners with resources and Geomapping of Veterinary Premises for improved oversight and regulation

These advances she observed are not just cosmetic; they’ve positioned Nigeria as a leader in veterinary regulation across Africa.
“The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the FAO have both adopted the VCN’s digitization model as a template for other African countries.
The ceremony also underscored efforts to address youth unemployment within the profession as Dr. Baju revealed that the VCN is forging partnerships with countries across Africa and the UK to allow Nigerian veterinarians to work abroad without additional certification exams.
She also indicated that there are domestic collaborations with both public and private sectors aim to expand veterinary job opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in underserved rural areas.
“Veterinary Medicine is more than a career—it’s a calling,” Dr. Baju reminded the new graduates. “You are now the guardians of animal health, public health, and food security in Nigeria.”
The Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Enem Simon Ikechukwu, welcomed guests with a heartfelt speech, describing the event as “an epoch-making occasion that blends pride, joy, and gratitude.”
He praised the graduates for their perseverance through rigorous academic training
“Being a veterinarian is more than a profession; it is a calling,” Prof. Ikechukwu remarked, urging the new doctors to embrace innovation and uphold the highest ethical standards.
“Through this oath-taking ceremony, we are not sending you off but sending you forth—to conquer challenges and bring victories home.”
The event, attended by key dignitaries, including Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Patricia Lar and Dean of the Faculty Prof. Simon Enem, marked a pivotal moment for veterinary education in Nigeria.
The administration of the Veterinary Oath by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) officially inducted the graduates into the profession, solidifying their role in the country’s health and development sectors.

As the ceremony concluded, the message resonated: veterinarians are no longer just animal doctors—they are crucial agents of national transformation.

National

Young Nigerians should Join ‘Voices of Our Heritage’ Writing Contest, Musawa

Published

1 day ago

February 18, 2025

National Update

Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa

Young Nigerian writers have been urged to participate in the “Voices of Our Heritage” national writing competition, an initiative aimed at fostering creativity and cultural appreciation.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, who made the call said the competition is open to students aged 10-18, adding that it is seeking to discover and nurture emerging literary talents.
The special adviser to the minister on Media quoted her to have indicated that the initiative is targedted at empowering young writers to create, publish, and even earn from their digital books, promoting both entrepreneurship and job opportunities.

“This competition is about preserving our cultural heritage while shaping the future of our nation,” she stated.

Organized as part of the 2024-25 National Young Authors Fair (NYAF), the competition welcomes entries from primary, secondary, and university students. Registration closes on February 20, 2025, with submissions open until March 20, 2025.
Winners will be announced on April 10, 2025, with the top 10 receiving ₦250,000 each, along with book publication, national recognition, and distribution.

The competition aligns with the Ministry’s vision to promote cultural heritage, creativity, and education through strategic partnerships.

For registration, visit: https://www.yaf.bribooks.com/ng/2024/student.

National

Okebukola Hails Nigeria’s Milestone in Global AI Revolution

Published

2 days ago

February 17, 2025

National Update

Peter Okebukola

***As 306 Stakeholders Participate in Inaugural AI Awareness Day

Nigeria has taken a bold step in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution as key stakeholders gathered to explore the nation’s role in AI-driven education and policy development.

The National Coordinator of the 2025 AI Awareness Day, Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, described the event as a major milestone, highlighting Nigeria’s potential to emerge as a leader in AI research, education, and application.

Held virtually on February 17, 2025, the inaugural AI Awareness Day in Higher Education was co-hosted by the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Okebukola Science Foundation (OSF), and the Association of African Universities (AAU).

The event brought together 306 participants, including heads of regulatory agencies (NUC, NBTE, and NCCE), scholars from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, policymakers, educators, and AI practitioners.
Discussions focused on AI’s transformative role in higher education, best practices, and ethical AI deployment in Nigeria.

The event, chaired by Professor Yakubu Ochefu, former Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, centered on raising awareness about AI’s role in higher education transformation, assessing Nigeria’s progress in AI education and its contribution to global AI research and celebrating achievements in AI research and education within Nigerian institutions.
Other areas of focus included exploring the integration of AI into university curricula, research, and administration and discussing AI-driven innovations to address national educational challenges.
The event featured a symposium, the launch of the AI in Higher Education in Africa Newsletter, and the presentation of the three-volume Handbook on AI and Quality Higher Education.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to recognise outstanding contributions in AI research, education, and policy within the Nigerian higher education system.

The first position in the Best Institutional AI Policy in Higher Education Award in the universities category was won by Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Second and third positions were won by Lagos State University, Ojo and Federal University of Technology, Minna respectively.

In the polytechnics category, the first prize went to Living Spring College of Technology and Innovation, Osogbo. For the Best AI Researcher in the universities category, Prof. Olatunji Sunday Olusanya of Adekunle Ajasin University came first. Dr. Salau Ayodeji of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti and Dr. Awotunde Joseph Bamidele of the University of Ilorin came second and third respectively.

For the polytechnics category, Mr. Mohammed Modiu of Yaba college of Technology came first. Mr. Salami Ayo of Federal College of Education, Iwo came first in the colleges of education category.

Other awards include the Best Programme in Artificial Intelligence. For the universities category, the B.Sc. Computer Science of Thomas Adewumi University came first. Programmes of four universities tied in the second position. These are B.Sc. Management Information Systems of Covenant University, Ota; B.Sc. Industrial Mathematics (Computer Option) also of Covenant University, Ota; and B.Sc. Computer Science of the University of Benin.

The first position in the universities category for the Best AI Application for Enhancing Teaching and Learning went to Prof. Onyenwe Ikechukwu Ekene of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Five scholars tied in the second position. These are Dr. Oguntosin Victoria of Covenant University; Dr. Oluwakemi Olurinola of Olabisi Onabanjo University; Professor Busari Mutiu of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta and Professor Ibezim Nnenna of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In the polytechnic category, first prize went to Dr. Okikiola Folasade of Yaba College of Technology.
For the colleges of education category, first prize was earned by Dr. Usman Stephen of Ipere College of Education Agyaragu, Nasarawa State, while Mr. Bako Mahmud Malam of Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education Kangere Bauchi State came second.
Other awards were presented for Best AI Programme and Best AI Application for Teaching and Learning across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Key resolutions include expanding the AI Awareness Day to all levels of the educational system; development of a strategic plan to ensure that Nigeria plays a leadership role in the global development of AI; strengthening the implementation of the AU strategic plan on AI; and forging strong public-private partnerships, investing boldly in our people and infrastructure.

Others are that the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NITDA, other agencies of government and other stakeholders should involve the National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (NAAIP) in policy making, implementation and other matters of Artificial Intelligence; and that within the 30% institutional allowance in the CCMAS, Nigerian universities should be encouraged to start GST courses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in place of or in addition to the existing computer appreciation courses.
The successful launch of the AI Awareness Day marks a turning point in Nigeria’s AI journey, reinforcing the country’s commitment to leveraging AI for educational excellence, innovation, and national development.

National

Diplomatic Fallout: Ribadu’s Outburst Sparks Criticism Over Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Approach

Published

5 days ago

February 14, 2025

National Update

Sule Lamido

A fresh controversy has emerged over Nigeria’s handling of diplomatic affairs, as former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, takes aim at National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu for his public condemnation of Canada’s visa denials to Nigerian military personnel.

Lamido, a seasoned politician and former foreign minister, expressed frustration over what he described as a pattern of missteps in Nigeria’s foreign policy under the current administration. He argued that the NSA’s public outburst against Canada was both unnecessary and damaging to the country’s international reputation.

“This is yet another example of our rookie approach to foreign relations,” Lamido stated. “Rather than resorting to public accusations, the appropriate response would have been for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the Canadian High Commissioner and address the issue through official diplomatic channels.”

The ex-governor warned that Ribadu’s actions had not only failed to resolve the issue but had also drawn unnecessary public attention to an embarrassing situation. “Our foreign relations must be handled with tact and professionalism. The NSA should not be taking over the responsibilities of the Minister of Foreign Affairs,” he said.

This latest episode comes amid broader concerns over Nigeria’s international standing, following strained relations within ECOWAS and a series of diplomatic missteps on the global stage. Analysts now worry that such uncoordinated responses could weaken Nigeria’s position in international affairs.

With Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility on the line, calls are growing for a more disciplined and strategic approach to engaging with foreign nations—one that prioritizes diplomacy over public confrontations.