The vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, has urged newly inducted veterinary medicine graduands to be ethical in carrying out their duties as veterinary doctors.

Mr Na’Allah gave the charge at the 10th oath-taking and induction for the graduands on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the members of the academic staff of veterinary medicine in the institution had partnered with the students to achieve the feat.

“You have come out today as true and well-baked professionals in this noble profession; I charge you all to keep the good name of this institution as you carry out your duties as veterinary doctors in society,” he said.

He thanked the academic staff of veterinary medicine for consistently producing veterinary doctors.

Acting dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hudu Mikail urges the inductees to be of impeccable character and apply professional and ethical standards in their practices.

Mr Mikail urged them to be good ambassadors of the faculty and the profession.

“Henceforth, you will be faced with the challenges of translating the knowledge gained from veterinary school into skills and your skills into clinical practice.

“Addressing national and global health problems could be some of the biggest challenges you may face depending on where you find yourselves as a veterinarian. Controlling zoonotic diseases and taking part in the world’s one health agenda is your responsibility,” he said.

He said the profession was charged with delivering optimal animal healthcare, advocating for animal welfare and protecting public health.

Mr Mikail added that the one health approach recognised that people’s health was closely connected to the health of animals and the shared environment.

He appreciated the university’s management for constructing a 100-seater, multiuser laboratory for the faculty and the move to construct a new Veterinary Teaching Hospital outside the campus for effective veterinary services.

The president of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Aishatu Baju, assured the graduands that their interests as young veterinarians would be protected.

Mr Baju said the council introduced four technologies, which included the veterinary seal, the veterinary APP, the digitalised veterinary practice license and geo-mapping of veterinary practice premises to improve the quality of service delivery.

She said the innovation aimed to address quackery in the profession and enhance service delivery efficiency.

He urged the graduands to show utmost respect to their senior colleagues in the profession and abide by all the rules governing VCN.

(NAN)