The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Benin, Edo State, has been shut down by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria due to the university’s failure to meet the standard requirements for running Veterinary Medicine programmes.
This decision was confirmed by Dr Aishatu Abubaka-Baju, the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria and a serving Assistant Inspector General of Police, during the 60th Annual Congress of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association in Jos, Plateau State.
Dr Abubaka-Baju stated that the council had to close down the faculty because it did not meet the necessary standards, and as a result, it cannot admit new students. In contrast, the University of Abuja was granted interim accreditation, with the council planning to revisit the university in two years.
The Veterinary Council is determined to improve the standards of veterinary medicine in public higher institutions across the country to enhance service delivery. At the congress, top government officials, including the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Chinyere Akujobi, pledged the Federal Government’s support for more profitable ventures in veterinary and related businesses.
The officials highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, research institutions, and the private sector in unlocking opportunities in the use of artificial intelligence in veterinary service delivery. This initiative is part of the broader vision to enhance livestock production and productivity, and improve the livelihoods of those involved in livestock farming.
