The 51st induction ceremony of 2020/2021 Veterinary Medicine graduates was held on February 23, 2022, with a total number of 78 graduates inducted into the Veterinary Medicine profession.
The induction ceremony took place at Olasoji Hall, Ojoo, Ibadan, instead of the regular venue in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, in compliance with the ongoing strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Giving the Chairman’s welcome address, Professor E.O Ayoola, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, who represented the Vice-chancellor of the university, acknowledged the privilege given to be present at the occasion. A brief and succinct welcome address was delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.
The Dean of the Faculty, Professor Olufunke E. Ola-Davies, while giving her remark, commended the efforts of the lecturers and inductees to ensure that the induction programme went as planned. She also identified the common stress and rigour of academic training of inductees and encouraged them to always leverage on the strength, courage and confidence built during their six years in school.
Going further, she felicitated with the newly promoted Professors in the Faculty: Professor Olatoye of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Professor Leigh of Theriogenology, Professor Ayinmode of Veterinary Parasitology, Professor Omobowale of Veterinary Medicine, and Professor Eyarefe of Veterinary Surgery.
She also mentioned and mourned the Late Professor Oke of Veterinary Anatomy who died mid last year.
It was mentioned that the University of Ibadan Faculty of Veterinary Medicine ranks 3rd in Africa among other Veterinary Institutions, featuring the outstanding achievements of students and lecturers locally and internationally: Dr Ayomide Richard, the best graduating student with nine distinctions runs a direct PhD program at Cornell University, USA. He was presented some awards which were received on his behalf by his brother and mother who were present at the occasion. Dr Oluwatomisin Kolawole, the CEO of Vinsighte an inductee, was also recognized as one of the few doctors who work outside the veterinary medical profession, developing resources to help humanity. Vinsighte developed a device for the visually impaired to aid them in reading and learning and Dr Kolawole was said to have received a Common Wealth award on this note.
President of Veterinary Council of Nigeria(VCN), AIG Dr Aishatu Abubakar Baju who was represented by Dr Tunji Naasir gave her remark and acknowledged that the inductees are lucky to be trained in the University of Ibadan. She further admonished inductees to embrace good character coupled with their skills to thrive well in the world.
Dr Ezenwa Nwakonbi, the acting Registrar of VCN, stressed the significance of the VCN in induction programs and encouraged the inductees to be dedicated, responsible, and disciplined. This was followed by the oath-taking and signing of professional documents by the inductees.
The guest lecturer, Dr Charles Ibe advised and emphasised the path of success as being rough. “No smooth way to success,” he said. He urged inductees to keep moving, stating the popular success motivation “from Zero to Hero.”
Just before the event came to a close, outstanding students across every level of the Faculty were presented with Dean’s Pathfinder award for being the best in their classes.
Dr Adeogun Omowunmi, one of the inductees was also presented with a leadership award which came with a cheque of one hundred thousand naira by Farmalert.
Merit awards were presented to Engr Seyi Makinde who was represented by Dr lasisi, the Director of Veterinary service Oyo state, Mrs Victoria Adunola Samson, MD BOVAS and company limited, and Engr Adebiyi Oladeinde.
Disntinguished awards of hearty service and commitment were also presented to Professors J.O Oyewole, J.F Akinrinmade, G.A.T Ogundipe, M.O Abatan, V.O Taiwo, Dr G.A Akintunji and Dr K.I Eghianruwa.
The event came to an end at some minutes past 1:00PM with the Dean of the Faculty giving her closing remark and urging the inductees to take in every word sent their way in the course of the program.
