As the new Veterinary Medicine graduates of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, were inducted into the profession, regulatory authorities, academics, industry leaders, and stakeholders stressed the need for strict adherence to global best practices, ethical conduct, and legal stipulations in veterinary practice for public safety in the country.

The stakeholders made the call during the induction ceremony for the 48 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduates of the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine for the 2024/2025 academic session. The event, which featured the 12th Professional Practice Oath-Taking Ceremony, was held on Wednesday, April 6, 2026, at the university’s New Public Lecture Theatre.

Speaking during the ceremony, the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Professor Mathew Adamu, described the council as Nigeria’s oldest professional regulatory institution, noting that the veterinary medicine profession has always been guided by law, ethics, and public responsibility.

He urged the 48 newly inducted veterinary doctors to practise within the ethical and legal framework of the profession, warning that misconduct and unethical practices could undermine public confidence in veterinary medicine.

Professor Adamu commended the university for attaining full accreditation status for its veterinary training programme and assured the institution of continued collaboration and support from the VCN towards strengthening veterinary training and professional development in the country. He further encouraged the university to sustain its commitment to academic excellence, professional standards, and innovation in veterinary education.

Administering the professional practice oath on behalf of the Acting Registrar of the VCN, Dr Fadipe Oladotun, Dr Sarah Chimezie described the oath as a solemn commitment to the protection of animal health, animal welfare, and public health. She charged the new veterinary doctors to apply their scientific knowledge and professional skills towards the advancement of the profession and society.

She noted that veterinarians play critical roles in food safety, disease prevention, animal production, conservation of animal resources, and the advancement of medical knowledge. She therefore advised them to practise with dignity, respect senior colleagues, and adhere strictly to veterinary ethics.

The ceremony attracted top officials of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), university administrators, veterinary industry operators, parents of the graduates, and stakeholders in the agricultural and public health sectors.

President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr Moses Arokoyo, who was represented by the Abia State Chairman of the association, Dr Jude Ibe, told the 48 inducted veterinary doctors that their integrity and character in practice would define their professional reputation. He encouraged them to seek mentorship from experienced veterinarians and maintain high standards of professionalism in their relationships with clients and society.

Delivering the keynote lecture on “Legal Issues in Veterinary Practice,” Dr Charles Ibe cautioned against collaboration with unqualified practitioners and unethical conduct within the profession. He stressed that the new veterinary doctors must understand the legal boundaries of veterinary practice to avoid actions capable of damaging the integrity of the profession.

The Vice Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Nneoma Elechi Obasi, described the induction ceremony as another significant contribution by the university to Nigeria’s agricultural and healthcare development.

According to her, the event was “a historic milestone that symbolises the transition of the graduands from students to professionals entrusted with safeguarding animal health, food systems, and public health.”

Professor Akanwa stated that the university would remain committed to producing globally competitive veterinary professionals equipped with competence, character, and conscience. She commended the VCN for granting full accreditation to the university’s veterinary medicine training programme and acknowledged the growing collaboration between the university and veterinary industry operators in the practical training and exposure of students.

She also appreciated the support of veterinary industry stakeholders and corporate partners in providing practical learning opportunities, internships, and entrepreneurship support for students of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Addressing the graduates, the Vice Chancellor charged them to be worthy ambassadors of MOUAU and contribute meaningfully to improved animal health, food security, and public health in Nigeria and beyond.

In his address, the Dean of the MOUAU College of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Cosmas Ogbu, said the event offered both new and practising veterinarians an opportunity to reflect on the ethical demands of the profession and renew their commitment to service to humanity.

He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to practical training, entrepreneurship, and research-driven veterinary education aimed at improving agricultural productivity and veterinary services in Nigeria. He also commended the resilience and determination of the graduates throughout their academic training and appreciated the support and sacrifices of their parents, guardians, and staff members.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the parents of the graduates, Dr Obot Udo Obot commended the university for nurturing competent veterinary professionals and praised the perseverance of both students and parents throughout the demanding academic journey.

He encouraged the newly inducted veterinarians to embrace innovation, personal development, and professionalism in building sustainable careers.

The overall best graduating student, Dr Miss Chimezie Blessing Amarachi, speaking on behalf of her colleagues, thanked the university, lecturers, and other contributors to the success of their training.