The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has urged newly inducted veterinary doctors of the institution to remain committed to the ethics, integrity and professional values of veterinary medicine while contributing to food safety and public health protection.
The Vice-Chancellor gave the charge on Wednesday during the 12th Induction and Oath-taking Ceremony for graduands of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), organised by the university in collaboration with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria. The ceremony, held at the university campus in Umudike, marked the formal admission of the graduands into the veterinary profession following the successful completion of their academic and professional training.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Nneoma Elechi Obasi, the Vice-Chancellor described the induction as a significant milestone in the lives of the new veterinary doctors, noting that it conferred on them the legal authority to practice veterinary medicine in Nigeria. She, however, reminded them that with such professional recognition comes enormous responsibility, especially in safeguarding animal health, protecting food systems and promoting 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. Prof. Akanwa stressed that veterinary medicine extends far beyond the treatment of animals, explaining that the profession plays a critical role in disease prevention, food security, environmental sustainability and national development.
According to her, veterinarians occupy strategic positions within society because of their contributions to monitoring zoonotic diseases, ensuring safe animal products and supporting agricultural productivity. She noted that the growing global concern over food safety, disease outbreaks and public health emergencies has made the role of veterinary professionals even more important in modern society.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the graduands to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in their careers, warning against practices capable of undermining public confidence in the profession. She encouraged them to remain disciplined, compassionate and committed to lifelong learning in order to keep pace with emerging developments in veterinary science and global health systems.
Prof. Akanwa also praised the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for sustaining high academic standards and producing graduates capable of competing globally. She commended members of staff of the faculty for their dedication to teaching, mentorship and research, which she said contributed significantly to the successful training of the graduating students.
The Vice-Chancellor further reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening professional education and producing graduates equipped to address societal challenges. In his remarks during the ceremony, representatives of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria emphasized the importance of discipline and professional conduct among practitioners. They reminded the newly inducted veterinarians that the oath they had taken binds them to ethical service, integrity and accountability in all aspects of professional practice.
The council also urged them to avoid professional negligence and ensure that they adhere strictly to regulations guiding veterinary practice in Nigeria. Speakers at the event highlighted the increasing importance of veterinary medicine in addressing global health concerns, particularly the rise of zoonotic diseases that spread between animals and humans.
Experts noted that veterinarians are now central to international public health strategies due to their role in disease surveillance, food inspection and epidemic prevention. They explained that the “One Health” approach being promoted globally recognises the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and environmental sustainability.
According to stakeholders at the ceremony, veterinarians are expected to contribute not only in clinics and farms but also in research institutions, public health agencies, pharmaceutical industries and agricultural development programmes. Parents, guardians and guests who attended the induction ceremony expressed pride in the graduands, describing the occasion as the culmination of years of sacrifice, discipline and rigorous academic training.
Many of the graduates were visibly emotional as they formally took the oath of practice, symbolising their official entry into one of the most critical healthcare-related professions. Some of the inductees pledged to use their knowledge and training to improve animal welfare, promote safe food production and contribute positively to society. Observers noted that the ceremony reflected the growing recognition of veterinary medicine as an essential component of national health security and economic development.
Nigeria’s livestock and agricultural sectors continue to depend heavily on veterinary professionals for disease control, animal productivity and food safety management. Analysts also pointed out that strengthening veterinary education remains important as the country seeks to tackle food insecurity, improve agricultural output and prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.
The induction ceremony therefore served not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as a reminder of the critical responsibilities awaiting the newly qualified professionals. For the graduates of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, the event marked the beginning of a demanding but vital journey, one that places them at the intersection of animal care, food safety and public health protection.
As they step into professional practice, the message from the university leadership was unmistakable: competence alone is not enough; integrity, compassion and ethical responsibility must remain the foundation of their service to humanity.
