A theriogenologist, Prof. Lukman Oladimeji Raji, has urged the federal government to revise the Veterinary Curricula to reflect Contemporary Reproductive Science in the universities.

According to him, Nigeria’s veterinary education must evolve to meet the needs of modern reproductive science.

Delivering the University of Ilorin’s 287th inaugural lecture on Thursday, Oladimeji said: “Faculties of Veterinary Medicine should revise theriogenology curricula to include Reproductive ultrasonography, semen cryo-preservation and extender development, biostatistics for fertility data interpretation, gender-sensitive approaches to reproductive health and climate change impacts on fertility.

“Furthermore, postgraduate diplomas and certificate programs should be developed for practising veterinarians in reproductive biotechnology, breeding herd management, and AI. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in reproductive medicine must be made mandatory as a license renewal criterion,” he stated.

He also urged stakeholders, including the government and professionals in the public sectors, as well as the academic circle, to institutionalise Semen Technology Centres in all Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria.

The veterinary doctor described the decentralisation of reproductive technology access as crucial.

While urging the creation of Semen collection, evaluation, and cryopreservation centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, he added: “These centres should house facilities for semen analysis, extender preparation (using locally available materials like honey or milk), cold chain storage, and distribution logistics.”

According to him, each centre should operate as a public-private-academic partnership, hosted within veterinary teaching hospitals, animal health institutes, or livestock training centres.

Titled: “Theriogenologist’s account: insights into gender effects in veterinary reproduction,” Oladimeji hoped that: “the Zonal centres will enhance regional autonomy in breeding programs, provide semen from climate-adapted superior sires, and reduce overreliance on imported genetics.

“Importantly, these centres can also serve as training hubs for veterinarians, paravets, and livestock officers, embedding semen science into practical field applications. Community cooperatives and pastoralist groups must be engaged as both contributors and beneficiaries,” he added.

He called for the inclusion of animal reproduction in the national Livestock Policy: “Theriogenology, the science of animal reproduction, should be recognised as a strategic pillar in Nigeria’s livestock development agenda,” he said.

He, however, described fertility optimisation and nutrition or disease control as crucial for the attention of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with its state counterparts to establish Reproductive Health Units within Veterinary Services Directorates.

“These units will be responsible for championing fertility management, artificial insemination, breeding soundness evaluation, estrus synchronisation, and genetic improvement strategies.

“Livestock extension programmes must prioritise reproductive efficiency as a measurable productivity indicator. Beyond administrative inclusion, policy documents such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) should explicitly allocate funding and operational roles for veterinary reproduction experts,” he added.

He, however, noted that it could be achieved through inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology, aligning reproductive innovations with national food security strategies.

Suggesting ways how agriculture can be scaled up in Nigeria, the varsity don suggested that AI must be integrated into agricultural subsidy and extension schemes.

He urged governments at all levels to subsidise AI services to rural farmers using proven extenders (honey-based, skim milk) and synchronised ovulation protocols.

“AI kits can be incorporated into agro-input distributions managed by ADPs. Subsidised AI not only improves calving/kidding rates but also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (trichomoniasis, brucellosis).

“Moreover, it allows for controlled breeding, reduces unwanted pregnancies, and conserves endangered indigenous breeds. Incentivising female-headed farms to adopt AI can multiply impact, particularly where herd management rests with women,” he explained, among others.