By Chinenyeh Ozor

NSUKKA —  The Veterinary Council of Nigeria has challenged Nigerian universities to turn out 500 veterinary doctors annually. This, according to the council, is to meet the increasing demand for veterinary doctors in the livestock industry.

Speaking at the 34th oath taking ceremony of 40 veterinary doctors graduands of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, President, Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr. Gabriel Ogundipe, said the council had licensed 1,857 veterinary doctors to practise in the country, adding that nine universities were recognized for training veterinary doctors.

Ogundipe noted that a veterinarian would not be allowed to issue certificate for animals not examined and delegate duties to auxiliary staff, explaining that obedience to the dictates of veterinary ethics was to ensure good relationship between the veterinarian and his client.

He said: “The council is worried and has sponsored a study that reported the absorptive capacity of veterinary surgeons in Nigerian economy.”