Professor Junaidu Elected Provost of College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
Professor Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu, a Professor of Veterinary Public Health at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has been elected Provost of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN).
The election result was announced in Abuja by the Electoral Committee chaired by Professor Caleb Kudi, following an electoral process involving Fellows of the College across Nigeria.
Professor Junaidu DVM, MPH, PhD, Fellow of the College, campaigned on a platform focused on repositioning the institution for professional excellence, stronger specialist training, institutional development, national relevance and global competitiveness.
In his acceptance speech, the new Provost thanked the Fellows for their confidence and described the mandate as a collective responsibility to strengthen the College and advance specialist veterinary practice in Nigeria.
He said his administration would prioritise the improvement of postgraduate specialist and residency training, modernisation of training programmes, research and innovation, digital transformation, continuing professional development and mentorship.
Other priorities include stronger collaboration with universities, government agencies, professional bodies and international partners, improved welfare and professional recognition of Fellows, institutional transparency and accountability, and greater financial sustainability.
Professor Junaidu also pledged to strengthen the contribution of veterinary specialists to One Health, food safety and security, livestock development and transformation, zoonotic disease control and national development.
The new Provost brings extensive experience in academia, veterinary clinical and public health practice, research, university administration and government service.
At Usmanu Danfodiyo University, he has served as 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 responsible for Animal Health and Fisheries Development in Sokoto State, where he was involved in several veterinary and livestock development initiatives.
These included the expansion of veterinary services, improvement of disease surveillance and vaccination programmes, artificial insemination and embryo-transfer programmes, pasture and dairy development, and rehabilitation of veterinary and abattoir infrastructure.
Among the initiatives attributed to his tenure was the establishment of veterinary presence across the 26 Local Government Areas and 87 districts of Sokoto State, strengthening of 24-hour veterinary services and development of an Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Centre with a liquid nitrogen facility.
Professor Junaidu also called on all Fellows, including those who supported other candidates during the election, to unite in building a stronger and more inclusive College.
“The election is over, and the responsibility of building our College belongs to all of us,” he said, pledging to work with Deputy Provost Professor Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, the College leadership, Faculties, Fellows and other stakeholders to implement his agenda.
He further expressed appreciation to his teachers, mentors, senior colleagues, contemporaries and younger Fellows, as well as members of the veterinary profession and other well-wishers who supported his candidacy.
Professor Junaidu said his administration would seek to consolidate the achievements of previous leaderships while addressing emerging challenges and positioning the College as a more visible, innovative and globally competitive professional institution.
