From Chidi Asonye, Umuahia
The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), says it attaches great importance to the training of veterinary doctors, hence, the support it has given to all programmes and activities towards the enhancement of research and learning in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
This disclosure came to light during the Seventh Oath Taking/Induction ceremony of the 2018/2019 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduates of the College which took place at the University on Thursday.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Francis Otunta said it was in order to enhance the quality of manpower available for the training of Veterinary Medicine in the school that recently prompted the engagement of high calibre staff, including professors on sabbatical, for the College of Veterinary Medicine.
“Management also gave approval to the proposal by a private firm, Amo Byng Nigeria Limited for collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine in the raising of broilers. It is expected that these gestures will strengthen the college further in its teaching and research activities,” the VC, who was represented by Prof. Joy Nwabueze, said.
While commending the graduates for painstakingly going through the rigours of training in Veterinary Medicine and successfully qualified as Veterinary Surgeons, the VC encouraged them to strive for excellence in the practice of their profession at all times.
He reminded them of the various challenges facing animal health and in the livestock industry in the country, which they will be expected to use their training and skills to find solutions to.
Earlier, Dean of College of Veterinary Medicine, Prof, Maduike Ezeibe, said without oath taking, the job of training of veterinarians will be deficient and described the ceremony as completing the job that was started more than six years ago by fulfilling the legal requirement.
He disclosed that the College of Veterinary Medicine in the University is still in dire need of laboratory and office spaces and therefore appealed that work on the third phase of the college building be restarted while making case for more senior academics, including sabbatical professors to be approved before the accreditation team arrives.
