Jubilation filled the air at the Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim Auditorium of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, as the Institution’s College of Veterinary Medicine, held her 8th Oath-Taking/Induction Ceremony for the 2019/2020 graduands.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the College, Prof. Josephat Onu stated that the oath-taking/induction exercise is mandatory for all veterinary graduands before they can practice.
Prof. Onu used the occasion to solicit the support of the University management in the provision of teaching/research farm, as well as laboratory and office spaces for the College. He also stated that the College is in dire need of Senior Academics in the professorial cadre.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe acknowledged the roles the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) plays in ensuring that the College of Veterinary Medicine maintains the standard requirements for the training of Veterinary Surgeons. He reiterated that his administration is committed to providing an enabling atmosphere for quality research and training for the College.
The VC promised that the pressing needs of the College would be met within the available resources.
Prof. Madu Iwe congratulated the graduands on the successful completion of their studies despite the rigorous processes, and challenged them to be good ambassadors of the University.
In her remarks, the President, Nigerian Veterinary Council, AIG (Dr) Aishatu Abubakar Baju, represented by Dr. Olutunji Nasir, maintained that the Council would continue to support and collaborate with universities in providing necessary resources and ensuring the sustenance of global best practices in the profession.
The Acting Registrar of Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr. Ezenwa Nwakonobi, in his remarks, applauded the exploits of Veterinary practitioners from the University in their various engagements. He urged the College and the University to do more to maintain their excellent standards.
35 graduands were administered the oath of induction and were presented with the Provisional Registration Certificate of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria.
The highlight of the occasion was the award of prizes to the best graduating students in their various subject areas. The star student at the event was Dr. Favour Okwaraeke Okore who emerged as the overall best graduating student. Dr. Nancy Eni-Otu also shone brightly as she became the first-ever recipient of the Farm Alert Leadership Award.
In his remarks, the overall best graduating student, Dr. Favour Okore Okwaraeke disclosed that diligence, hard work, and unwavering parental support were the keys to his success. He applauded the lecturers of the College for their resourcefulness and urged students of Veterinary Medicine to show commitment in their studies.
The elated father of the star student, Mr. Moses Okwaraeke, narrated the challenges he faced in the course of training his son, especially regarding finance. He, however, expressed happiness that his relentless efforts have been rewarded by his son’s stellar academic achievements.