Junaidu elected Provost of College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria

Professor Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has been elected Provost of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN).

Junaidu, a Professor of Veterinary Public Health, was elected by Fellows of the College following an electoral process conducted in Abuja and overseen by an Electoral Committee chaired by Professor Caleb Kudi.

His election marks a new chapter for the postgraduate professional institution responsible for specialist veterinary training and the advancement of veterinary practice in Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech, Junaidu described the mandate as a collective responsibility rather than a personal achievement, pledging to reposition the College through stronger specialist training, research, innovation and institutional development.

“The election is over, and the responsibility of building our College belongs to all of us. I accept this mandate with humility and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said.

He said his administration would prioritise the strengthening of postgraduate specialist and residency training while modernising training programmes to address emerging challenges in animal health, public health and livestock development.

Junaidu also promised to promote research, digital transformation and evidence-based veterinary practice, while strengthening partnerships with universities, government agencies, professional bodies and international institutions.

According to him, the College would also work towards improving the visibility and international recognition of Nigerian veterinary specialists, alongside strengthening continuing professional development and mentorship for younger veterinarians.

He further pledged to promote the welfare and professional interests of Fellows while improving governance, transparency, accountability and the financial sustainability of the College.

Junaidu said veterinary specialists had important roles to play in addressing challenges relating to One Health, food safety, food security, zoonotic diseases and livestock development.

“The strength of the College lies in the collective knowledge, experience and commitment of its Fellows,” he said, calling on all Fellows to work together irrespective of their positions during the election.

The new Provost brings extensive experience in academia, veterinary practice, research, university administration and public service to the position.

At Usmanu Danfodiyo University, he has served in several leadership positions, including Head of Department, Deputy Dean, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Director of the University Development Office and Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies.

He also served as a Commissioner in Sokoto State with responsibility for Animal Health and Fisheries Development, where he was involved in various livestock and veterinary development initiatives.

These included expansion of veterinary services, disease surveillance and vaccination programmes, provision of veterinary equipment, pasture and dairy development, and rehabilitation of veterinary and abattoir infrastructure.

He also facilitated initiatives involving artificial insemination and embryo transfer, including the development of a centre equipped with a liquid nitrogen facility.

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Junaidu said his administration would work closely with the Deputy Provost, Professor Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, the College’s governing structures, Faculties, Fellows and other stakeholders to implement what he described as an inclusive and progressive agenda.

He thanked Fellows for their support and called for unity following the election.

“Together, we must reposition the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria as a stronger, more visible, innovative and globally competitive institution that serves our profession, our country and society,” he said.

Junaidu also commended the Electoral Committee for conducting the election and expressed appreciation to his teachers, mentors, senior colleagues, contemporaries and younger Fellows who supported his candidature.

He said the new leadership would build on the achievements of previous administrations while addressing emerging challenges confronting the veterinary profession.

“This mandate belongs to all Fellows. Together, we shall consolidate the achievements of our predecessors, address emerging challenges and take the College to greater heights,” he added.