Professor Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has been elected Chancellor of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN).
Junaidu, Professor of Veterinary Public Health, was elected by the members of the College following an electoral process held in Abuja and supervised by an Electoral Committee chaired by Professor Caleb Kudi.
His election marks a new chapter for the postgraduate professional institution responsible for specialist veterinary training and the advancement of veterinary practice in Nigeria.
In his acceptance speech, Junaidu described the mandate as a collective responsibility rather than a personal achievement, and committed to repositioning the Faculty through increased specialized training, research, innovation and institutional development.
“The elections are 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 stated.
He said his administration would prioritize strengthening postgraduate residency and specialist training, while modernizing training programs to address emerging challenges in animal health, public health and livestock development.
Junaidu also promised to promote research, digital transformation and evidence-based veterinary practice, while strengthening partnerships with universities, government agencies, professional bodies and international institutions.
According to him, the Faculty will also work to enhance the visibility and international recognition of Nigerian veterinary specialists, as well as strengthen continuous professional development and mentorship for younger veterinarians.
Furthermore, it committed to promoting the well-being and professional interests of the fellows while improving the governance, transparency, accountability and financial sustainability of the university.
Junaidu said veterinary specialists had important roles to play in addressing challenges related to One Health, food security, zoonotic diseases and livestock development.
“The strength of the College lies in the collective knowledge, experience and commitment of its fellows,” he said, calling on all fellows to work together regardless of their positions during the elections.
The new chancellor brings to the position extensive experience in academia, veterinary practice, research, university administration and public service.
At Usmanu Danfodiyo University, he has held various leadership positions including Head of Department, Vice Dean, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Director of the Veterinary University Hospital, Director of the University Development Office and Rector of the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies.
He also served as Commissioner in Sokoto State with responsibility for Animal Health and Fisheries Development, where he was involved in various livestock and veterinary development initiatives.
These included the expansion of veterinary services, disease surveillance and vaccination programmes, the provision of veterinary equipment, the development of pasture and dairy products and the rehabilitation of veterinary and slaughterhouse infrastructure.
He also facilitated initiatives related to artificial insemination and embryo transfer, including the development of a center equipped with a liquid nitrogen facility.
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Junaidu said his administration would work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, the university’s governance structures, faculties, fellows and other stakeholders to implement what he described as an inclusive and progressive agenda.
He thanked the scholarship recipients for their support and called for unity after the elections.
“Together, we must reposition the Nigerian College of Veterinary Surgeons as a stronger, more visible, innovative and globally competitive institution that serves our profession, our country and our society,” he said.
Junaidu also commended the Election Committee for conducting the election and expressed gratitude to his teachers, mentors, senior colleagues, contemporaries and younger scholars who supported his candidature.
He said the new leadership would build on the achievements of previous administrations while addressing emerging challenges facing the veterinary profession.
“This mandate belongs to all fellows. Together we will consolidate the achievements of our predecessors, address emerging challenges and take the Faculty to greater heights,” he added.
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