Professor Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu, has been elected Provost of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN), the country’s premier postgraduate professional institution for specialist veterinary training and the advancement of veterinary practice.
The result was announced in Abuja by the Electoral Committee chaired by Professor Caleb Kudi, following an election involving Fellows of the College from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Junaidu’s emergence followed a campaign built around the repositioning of the College for professional excellence, stronger specialist training, institutional growth, greater national relevance and international competitiveness.
His election attracted broad support from Fellows and colleagues at home and abroad, reflecting confidence in his academic credentials, leadership experience and vision for the future of the College.
Accepting the mandate, Junaidu described his election as more than a personal accomplishment, saying it represents a collective responsibility to strengthen the College and advance specialist veterinary practice in Nigeria.
He outlined an agenda focused on modernising postgraduate and residency training, raising professional standards and ensuring that specialist veterinary education keeps pace with emerging challenges.
His administration will also prioritise research and innovation, digital transformation, evidence-based practice, stronger partnerships with universities, government agencies, professional bodies and international institutions, as well as continuing professional development and mentorship for younger veterinarians.
Other priorities include improving the visibility and international recognition of Fellows, promoting their welfare and professional interests, strengthening institutional governance and financial sustainability, and ensuring greater transparency and accountability within the College.
Junaidu also pledged to expand the contribution of veterinary specialists to One Health, food safety and security, livestock development, zoonotic disease control and broader national development.
He stressed that the College must evolve into a stronger, more responsive and forward-looking institution capable of producing specialists equipped to address Nigeria’s changing animal-health, public-health and livestock-development needs.
Experience Across Academia and Public Service
Junaidu brings extensive experience in academia, veterinary clinical and public-health practice, research, university administration and government.
At Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, where he is Professor of Veterinary Public Health, he has served in several senior positions, 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, where he was involved in a number of veterinary and livestock-development initiatives.
His public-service record included efforts to expand veterinary services, improve disease surveillance and vaccination, strengthen livestock development programmes and upgrade veterinary and abattoir infrastructure.
Among the initiatives credited to his tenure were the expansion of veterinary services across Sokoto State’s 26 local government areas and 87 districts, strengthening of 24-hour veterinary services, and the development of an Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Centre equipped with a liquid nitrogen facility.
His administration also secured land and approvals towards the establishment of a Veterinary Specialist Hospital.
Calls for Unity After Election
Junaidu thanked Fellows of the College, including his teachers, mentors, senior colleagues, contemporaries and younger Fellows, for their support, prayers, endorsements and votes during the election.
He also commended the Electoral Committee, led by Professor Caleb Kudi, for conducting the election and urged all Fellows to put the contest behind them and focus on building a stronger institution.
“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 pledged to work with the Deputy Provost, Professor Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, the College’s leadership and governing structures, Faculties, Fellows and other stakeholders to implement an inclusive and progressive agenda.
The new Provost called on all Fellows, regardless of their positions during the election, to contribute to the next phase of the College’s development.
He said his administration would be guided by excellence, professionalism, inclusiveness, innovation, integrity and service, while remaining open to constructive ideas and partnerships.
Junaidu also expressed appreciation to members of the veterinary profession, colleagues, students, friends, well-wishers and members of the public who sent congratulatory messages following his election.
“This mandate belongs to all Fellows. Together, we shall consolidate the achievements of our predecessors, address emerging challenges and take the College to greater heights.”