NVMA Logo
In a strategic effort to curb youth unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s animal health sector, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), in collaboration with Farm Alert, has awarded a total of N42 million in grants to young veterinary professionals across the country.
At the third edition of the Vetpreneurship award held in Abuja, nine young veterinarians received N1 million each to support their businesses, bringing the total disbursed since the program’s inception to N42 million. The initiative, aimed at grooming “Vetpreneurs,” targets graduates within the past five years, helping them transition into agro-entrepreneurs.
NVMA President, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, emphasized the importance of private sector participation in veterinary medicine, noting that 80% of veterinarians in Nigeria operate outside government employment. “We are not just handing out grants—we are nurturing a new generation of business-minded professionals who will transform animal health and contribute to national development,” he said.
He added that all recipients were selected through a rigorous process and will be monitored using defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability and impact.
Dr. Musa Inuwa, Chief Veterinary Officer of the Federation, commended the initiative and encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely. He assured them of government support, especially with the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, which he said positions veterinarians as key players in economic growth and food security.
Prof. Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu, former Commissioner for Animal Health in Sokoto State, described the initiative as “the best business empowerment scheme in recent years,” citing its potential to generate jobs and wealth.
One of the beneficiaries, Dr. Agboola Waliu Olasunkanmi, said the grant would be used to expand his mini veterinary diagnostic centre in Lagos, a move he believes will improve access to animal health services and create local jobs.
With its third phase now complete, the Vetpreneurship initiative continues to gain momentum as a blueprint for empowering skilled youth and revitalizing Nigeria’s livestock and veterinary industries.