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, emerged from an election conducted among Fellows of the College across Nigeria. The result was announced in Abuja by the Electoral Committee, chaired by Professor Caleb Kudi.
The College is Nigeria’s premier postgraduate professional institution for specialist veterinary training and the advancement of veterinary practice.
His campaign focused on repositioning the College through professional excellence, stronger specialist training, institutional development and improved national and international relevance.
Junaidu said his election was not only a personal achievement but also a collective responsibility to strengthen the College and advance specialist veterinary practice in Nigeria.
He outlined an agenda centred on modernising postgraduate and residency training, promoting research and innovation, supporting digital transformation, and strengthening evidence-based veterinary practice.
The new Provost also pledged to improve collaboration between the College, universities, government agencies, professional bodies and international partners.
Other priorities, according to him, include strengthening continuing professional development and mentorship for younger veterinarians, improving the welfare of Fellows, and promoting transparency, accountability and financial sustainability in the College.
He said veterinary specialists must play a greater role in addressing issues relating to One Health, food safety, food security, livestock development and the control of zoonotic diseases.
Junaidu called for unity among Fellows across faculties, generations and geographical zones, urging those who contested or supported other candidates during the election to join hands with the new administration.
“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 expressed appreciation to the Fellows, teachers, mentors, colleagues and members of the veterinary profession for their support, endorsements, prayers and votes.
Junaidu also commended the Electoral Committee for conducting the election and pledged to work with the Deputy Provost, Professor Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, the College’s governing structures, Faculties, Fellows and other stakeholders.
Track record
The new Provost has held several academic and administrative positions at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, 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 Commissioner for Animal Health and Fisheries Development in Sokoto State, with additional responsibilities in the agricultural sector at different times.
During his public service, he was associated with initiatives involving the expansion of veterinary services, provision of equipment and mobility, disease surveillance, annual vaccination programmes, pasture and dairy development, and the rehabilitation of veterinary and abattoir infrastructure.
The initiatives included extending veterinary services to the 26 local government areas and 87 districts of Sokoto State, strengthening 24-hour services at the main veterinary clinic, and establishing an Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Centre with a liquid nitrogen facility.
He also secured land and approvals towards the establishment of a Veterinary Specialist Hospital in the state.
Junaidu said his administration would remain open to constructive ideas and partnerships as it seeks to consolidate the achievements of previous leaderships and take the College to greater heights.
