Bamidele John Olafimihan is a First-Class graduate of the Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). As a data analyst, he finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.75 on a scale of 5.0. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, he speaks about his academic feat, the ranching problem facing Nigeria, and other issues.
Animal Science is not a course most people willingly apply for in the university. Did you directly apply for it?
Yes, I directly applied for Animal Science. My passion for animals started growing at a young age because my mom was a small-scale goat farmer. Watching her care for the animals, and seeing how they thrived under her management, sparked my curiosity about animal care and production. Initially, I wanted to study Veterinary Medicine, thinking it was the best way to help animals. However, as I researched more, I realised Animal Science offered a broader perspective, covering not only animal health but also production, nutrition, genetics, and welfare.
I was drawn to how it focuses on improving livestock productivity and sustainability, which felt more aligned with what I wanted to achieve. Additionally, Animal Science offers more diverse opportunities in Nigeria — from livestock management to agribusiness and research — making it a more practical and rewarding path for me.
How would you describe the kind of education you had in your department and university generally?
Education at the Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), is comprehensive and practical-oriented. The department blends strong theoretical foundations with hands-on experiences, covering areas like animal nutrition, genetics, physiology, production systems, and agribusiness. FUNAAB is widely recognised for its focus on agricultural innovation and research, especially in animal production and sustainable farming practices. The university provides access to research farms, modern laboratories, and industry partnerships, which help students gain real-world insights alongside their academic learning. A standout feature is the unique one-session Farm Practical Year (FPY), which focuses on practical aspects of both plant and animal agriculture. This gives students a broad, comprehensive understanding of agriculture, rather than limiting them to one specific area — a rare and valuable approach in agricultural education.
Whether it meets expectations depends on individual perspectives. Many students appreciate the exposure to science and practical farming methods, while others may feel there is room for improvement in areas like technology integration or more industry-driven projects.
What aspects or areas of animal science interest you more and why?
I am particularly passionate about ruminant nutrition and production systems. Ruminants play a crucial role in global food security by converting fibrous, non-human-edible feed into high-quality protein — and, optimising that process is both a scientific challenge and an opportunity to improve sustainability. My interest lies in understanding how different feed compositions, forages, and supplements influence rumen microbiology, fermentation efficiency, and ultimately animal performance. I am also fascinated by how data analytics can be applied to track growth rates, feed efficiency, and milk yields, enabling more precise, data-driven management decisions.
Additionally, I am drawn to improving the environmental footprint of ruminant production. With methane emissions being a major concern, exploring feed additives, alternative forages, and breeding strategies that enhance feed conversion while reducing emissions is an area I find particularly compelling. Ultimately, I believe that advancing ruminant production systems — balancing animal health, productivity, and environmental responsibility — is key to building a more sustainable livestock industry, and I am eager to contribute to that progress.
What was the title of your final-year project and what were the major findings from it?
My final-year project was titled ‘Effect of Seasonal Variation on Haematology and Serum Biochemical Parameters of West African Dwarf Sheep Reared Semi-Intensively’. The research aimed to investigate how different seasons affect the physiological and biochemical responses of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep under a semi-intensive system.
One of the major findings was that rams exhibited better adaptability during the dry season compared to ewes. This was evident in their more stable haematological and serum biochemical profiles, suggesting a stronger physiological resilience to seasonal stressors, such as heat and reduced forage quality. The ewes, on the other hand, showed more fluctuations in these parameters, indicating they might require more nutritional and management support during harsher seasons to maintain optimal health and productivity.
After graduation, I also collaborated with my supervisor on another research project titled ‘Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Catechin on Haematology, Serum Biochemistry, and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers of Red Sokoto Goat Reared Intensively’. This study explored how catechin — a powerful natural antioxidant — influences the blood profile and oxidative stress status of Red Sokoto goats when added to their diets at varying levels. Our findings were quite promising. We discovered that dietary supplementation of catechin helped maintain the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, as reflected in normal packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), and red blood cell (RBC) counts in the supplemented groups.
Specifically, supplementing at 3g and 6g per kg of feed offered appeared to support better health maintenance and oxidative stability by enhancing the antioxidant pool in the blood. This indicates that catechin could serve as a functional feed additive to improve the resilience and overall physiological performance of Red Sokoto goats under intensive management systems.
Both projects were deeply rewarding, as they combined my passion for animal science with data analysis to uncover practical insights that could support better livestock management practices.
There is this notion that eating red meat or animal flesh is not healthy for humans. What is your take on this?
Red meat and animal-based proteins provide essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and amino acids, supporting muscle development, cognitive function, and metabolic health. However, moderation and preparation matter. Excessive intake of processed or charred meat is linked to health risks like cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer. Lean, unprocessed meat, paired with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, supports a balanced diet.
Additionally, advancements in sustainable animal production improve environmental impacts. Instead of demonising red meat, promoting portion control, healthy cooking methods, and sourcing from ethical producers balances health and sustainability.
There has been a recurring call for large-scale ranching to ensure the safe breeding of farm animals and food security. But this has been a difficult endeavour for the government and private sector to implement. What do you think is hampering the implementation of ranching, and how can it be addressed?
One major challenge hampering the implementation of large-scale ranching in Nigeria is land ownership disputes, driven by traditional land tenure systems and resistance from local communities. Additionally, poor infrastructure — like inadequate roads, water sources, and veterinary services — makes it costly to establish and maintain ranches. Insecurity, especially from farmer-herder conflicts, also discourages investment. To address this, the government can create clear land reform policies that respect local customs while promoting designated ranching zones. Engaging communities through sensitisation and compensation where necessary will reduce resistance. Providing infrastructure, security, and incentives like low-interest loans or tax breaks will further encourage private sector involvement and make large-scale ranching more feasible.
Going forward, do you see a good future and career for you in animal science? Do you have any plans to further your education in animal science?
Yes, I see a promising future and fulfilling career in Animal Science. The field is evolving rapidly, with innovations in sustainable livestock production, precision farming, and animal nutrition playing key roles in addressing global challenges like food security, climate change, and animal welfare. With my background in animal science, combined with data analytics skills, I am confident I can contribute to optimising production systems, improving animal performance, and promoting sustainable practices — all of which are increasingly important in the industry.
I also plan to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree in Animal Science. This will allow me to deepen my knowledge, specialise in areas like animal nutrition or genetics, and strengthen my research skills. I believe that advanced education, paired with practical experience and data-driven insights, will position me to make a meaningful impact in the field — whether that is through research, consultancy, or driving innovations in animal production systems.
Your LinkedIn bio states that you are a data specialist. Tell us about this aspect of your work.
Absolutely. My journey into becoming a data specialist started with a strong foundation in animal science, where I realised how powerful data could be in driving better decisions — from improving animal production systems to optimising farm performance. During my studies, I began exploring data analytics more deeply, and I was fascinated by how raw data could transform into actionable insights. What truly solidified my passion was seeing how data could bridge the gap between theory and practical agricultural outcomes.
For instance, during my final-year project, I saw firsthand how data could optimise feed conversion ratios and improve livestock management. That experience made me even more committed to combining data analytics with animal science to create meaningful, measurable improvements in the field.
In the course of your studies, what were the things you think your school could improve on to make life and schooling comfortable for students and staff?
During my time at school, I noticed a few areas where improvements could make a significant difference for students and staff. One key area is infrastructure — ensuring that classrooms, laboratories, and hostels are not only well-maintained but also equipped with modern facilities to support learning and research effectively.
For example, in practical-intensive courses like Animal Science, having updated equipment, well-ventilated spaces, and reliable power would greatly enhance the learning experience. Finally, fostering stronger industry connections and internship opportunities would prepare students better for the workforce. More collaboration between the university and agricultural businesses, research institutions, and technology companies would bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application.
What is next for you now after graduation? And where do you see yourself in five years?
Next for me after graduation is to pursue a master’s degree in Animal Science abroad. I am eager to build on my undergraduate knowledge and dive deeper into specialised areas like animal nutrition, genetics, or precision livestock farming. I also plan to continue honing my data analytics and visualisation skills to support research and solve real-world problems in animal agriculture.
In five years, I envision myself as a skilled researcher or industry expert, using both scientific knowledge and data-driven insights to improve livestock productivity, animal welfare, and farm efficiency. I want to contribute to innovative, sustainable solutions that help shape the future of animal science.
What is your advice to students aspiring to achieve the kind of academic feat you achieved?
My advice to them is to study smart, not just hard. Focus on understanding concepts, not memorising. Stay consistent, manage your time well, and start preparing early. Do not wait for exams. Ask questions, seek help when needed, and stay resilient. With determination and the right mindset, success is achievable.
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