The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin (Unilorin), on Monday inducted 35 veterinary doctors into veterinary medicine practice.
The Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Saliu Ameen, disclosed this at the 7th oath-taking and induction ceremony in Ilorin.
Saliu said the inductees met every academic, ethical and professional requirements for the award of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
He explained that the ceremony signifies the transition of graduands from students to full members of a noble and globally relevant profession.
He added that the profession entrusted the graduands with the health and welfare of animals, protection of public health, food security and advancement of biomedical science.
According to him, the oath-taking and induction is a long standing professional tradition that emphasised commitment, accountability and service.
“By reciting the veterinary oath administered by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), these graduands publicly pledge to uphold the highest standards of veterinary ethics and practice.
“They have promised to deploy their knowledge and skill for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment, an affirmation that aligns with the one health paradigm linking animal health, human health and ecosystem balance.
“The induction also marks the formal licensing of these young doctors as veterinary professional, without the oath their academic degree alone would not authorise them to practice.
“It is therefore both a celebration of academic achievement and legal rite of passage into the profession,” he said.
The President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Prof. Mathew Adamu, urged the graduands to uphold the ethics of the profession.
The President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) Prof. Mathew Adamu, who was represented by the Vice President, Haleema Gambo, urged the graduands to let the integrity be their watch word and serve with compassion.
According to him, taking care of animals as a veterinary doctor, means they are indirectly taking care of people of the nation.
Ms Babalola Kareemot, who spoke on behalf of the graduands commended their lecturers for the mentoring and tutorship for their six years rigorous of learning.
Kareemot appreciate their parents for the spiritual, moral and financial support throughout the journey.
She, therefore urged her colleagues to be good ambassadors of the institution and Nigeria.
