By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — Professor Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has emerged as the new Provost of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN), pledging to reposition the institution and strengthen specialist veterinary practice in the country.

Junaidu, a Professor of Veterinary Public Health, emerged from an election conducted among Fellows of the College in Nigeria and the diaspora. The result was announced in Abuja by the Electoral Committee, chaired by Professor Caleb Kudi.

His election places him at the helm of the country’s postgraduate professional institution responsible for specialist veterinary training and the advancement of high-level veterinary practice.

The new Provost said his emergence was not merely a personal achievement but a collective responsibility to strengthen the College and enhance its relevance to Nigeria’s animal health, public health and livestock sectors.

He pledged to overhaul postgraduate specialist and residency training while maintaining high professional standards in response to emerging challenges in veterinary medicine.

Junaidu also promised to modernise training programmes, promote research and innovation, deepen digital transformation and encourage evidence-based specialist veterinary practice capable of meeting national and global demands.

He said the College under his leadership would strengthen partnerships with universities, government institutions, veterinary organisations, professional bodies and international development partners to expand opportunities for specialist training, research and professional collaboration.

The new Provost identified One Health, food safety, food security, livestock development and zoonotic disease control as priority areas requiring stronger veterinary intervention.

He also pledged to improve the visibility and international recognition of Nigerian veterinary specialists, strengthen continuing professional development and mentorship for younger veterinarians, and promote the welfare and professional interests of Fellows.

Junaidu said his administration would pursue institutional reforms anchored on transparency, accountability, financial sustainability, inclusiveness and unity across the College.

He brings to the position considerable experience in academia, veterinary clinical and public health practice, research, university administration and public service.

At Usmanu Danfodiyo University, he has served as 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.

His public-sector experience includes serving as Commissioner responsible for Animal Health and Fisheries Development in Sokoto State, where he was involved in initiatives aimed at expanding veterinary services, strengthening disease surveillance and vaccination programmes, improving livestock development and upgrading veterinary infrastructure.

Among the initiatives associated with his tenure were the expansion of veterinary services across the state’s 26 local government areas and 87 districts, strengthening of round-the-clock services at the main veterinary clinic, development of artificial insemination and embryo-transfer programmes, establishment of a liquid nitrogen facility, pasture and dairy development, and efforts towards establishing a Veterinary Specialist Hospital.

Junaidu thanked Fellows, mentors, colleagues and other stakeholders who supported his candidature, while calling for unity following the election.

He urged members to put the electoral contest behind them and work together towards building a stronger and more professionally relevant College.

“I believe the election has ended and what lies ahead is the responsibility of building the College together,” he said.

He pledged to work closely with the Deputy Provost, Professor Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, the College’s governing structures, Faculties, Fellows and other stakeholders to implement an inclusive and progressive agenda.

Junaidu said the College must become more visible, innovative, professionally formidable and globally competitive, while playing a stronger role in safeguarding animal health, protecting public health and strengthening Nigeria’s food and livestock security.