By Fatima Saka
The newly elected Provost of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN), Professor Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu, has set out an ambitious agenda to raise professional standards, modernise specialist veterinary education and increase the College’s global relevance.
Junaidu, a Professor of Veterinary Public Health at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), emerged from an election involving Fellows of the College nationwide.
Speaking after his election, he said the priority of his administration would be to strengthen the institutional capacity of the College while ensuring that specialist veterinary training keeps pace with changing professional and public-health demands.
He said postgraduate and residency programmes would be reviewed and modernised, with greater emphasis on research, innovation, digital technology and evidence-based practice.
Junaidu further promised to strengthen relationships between the College and universities, government agencies and international partners, saying greater collaboration would enhance professional development and expand the institution’s contribution to national and global veterinary practice.
The new leadership is also expected to place greater attention on One Health, particularly the intersection between human, animal and environmental health.
According to Junaidu, veterinary professionals have an important role to play in food safety, food security and the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.
Beyond professional development, he pledged to improve the welfare and visibility of Fellows and ensure that the College plays a stronger role in national policy and development.
Junaidu’s professional background spans academic leadership, veterinary public health and government administration. His previous positions at UDUS include Head of Department, Dean, Director of Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Provost of Postgraduate Studies.
He also served as Sokoto State Commissioner for Animal Health and Fisheries, where he was involved in expanding veterinary services and strengthening animal-health interventions across the state.
The election result was announced in Abuja by the Electoral Committee chaired by Professor Caleb Kudi.
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Junaidu thanked the Fellows for their confidence and called for unity, saying the task ahead required collective ownership of the College’s development.
He pledged to work with Deputy Provost Professor Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies and other stakeholders to build a more innovative, visible and internationally competitive institution.
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