Professor Junaidu Elected Provost of College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria

By Samuel Ike, Abuja

Professor Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu, a distinguished Veterinary Public Health expert at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has been elected Provost of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN), the country’s foremost postgraduate institution for specialist veterinary education and professional advancement.

The election result was announced in Abuja by the Electoral Committee chaired by Professor Caleb Kudi after a nationwide voting process involving Fellows of the College. Professor Junaidu emerged victorious following a campaign focused on repositioning the institution for greater professional excellence, improved specialist training, institutional growth, and global competitiveness.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Provost expressed gratitude to Fellows for entrusting him with the leadership of the College. He described his election as a collective mandate to strengthen the institution and advance specialist veterinary practice in Nigeria. He pledged to pursue reforms aimed at enhancing postgraduate residency training, maintaining professional standards, modernising academic programmes, and promoting research, innovation, and digital transformation.

Professor Junaidu also outlined plans to strengthen partnerships with universities, veterinary institutions, government agencies, professional bodies, and international organisations. He said his administration would prioritise continuous professional development, mentorship for younger veterinarians, improved welfare for Fellows, transparent governance, financial sustainability, and increased contributions of veterinary specialists to public health, food security, livestock development, and zoonotic disease control.

A respected academic and administrator, Professor Junaidu brings decades of experience in veterinary medicine, public health, research, university administration, and public service. He has served in several leadership capacities 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.

Beyond academia, he served as Commissioner in Sokoto State with responsibility for Animal Health and Fisheries Development, where he spearheaded major livestock and veterinary initiatives. His tenure witnessed the expansion of veterinary services, establishment of artificial insemination and embryo-transfer programmes, improved disease surveillance and vaccination campaigns, development of dairy and pasture projects, and rehabilitation of veterinary and abattoir facilities. He also facilitated veterinary service coverage across the state’s 26 local government areas and 87 districts.

Professor Junaidu commended the Electoral Committee for conducting a credible election and thanked Fellows, mentors, colleagues, students, and supporters within Nigeria and the diaspora for their confidence and support. He called for unity among all members of the College, irrespective of their positions during the election, stressing that collective effort would be essential to building a stronger and more globally competitive institution.

“The election is over, and the responsibility of building our College belongs to all of us,” he said. “Together, we must reposition the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria as a stronger, more visible, innovative and globally competitive institution that serves our profession, our country and society.”

The new Provost pledged to work closely with Deputy Provost, Professor Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, governing bodies of the College, Faculties, Fellows, and stakeholders to implement an inclusive and progressive agenda. He reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating the achievements of previous administrations while addressing emerging challenges facing the veterinary profession.

His election is widely seen as the beginning of a new chapter for the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria, with expectations that his leadership will strengthen specialist training, enhance professional standards, and expand the institution’s role in national development and global veterinary practice.