By Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Prof. 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 College is Nigeria’s premier postgraduate professional body responsible for specialist veterinary training and the advancement of veterinary practice across the country.
The Electoral Committee, chaired by Prof. Caleb Kudi, announced the result following an election conducted among Fellows of the College across Nigeria.
Prof. Junaidu’s victory followed a campaign focused on repositioning the College for professional excellence, stronger specialist training, institutional growth, national relevance and global competitiveness.
His candidacy received widespread support and endorsements from Fellows in Nigeria and the diaspora, reflecting confidence in his experience, leadership and vision for the College.
Accepting the mandate, Prof. Junaidu expressed appreciation to the Fellows, describing his election not only as a personal milestone but also as a shared responsibility to strengthen the College and advance specialist veterinary practice in Nigeria.
He identified key priorities for his tenure, including strengthening postgraduate specialist and residency training while maintaining high professional standards; modernising curricula to address current and emerging veterinary challenges; promoting research, innovation, digital transformation and evidence-based practice; and building stronger partnerships with universities, veterinary institutions, government agencies, professional bodies and international organisations.
Prof. Junaidu said the College must continue to evolve into a respected and forward-looking institution capable of producing specialists equipped to address Nigeria’s needs in animal health, public health, food security and livestock development.
Beyond academia, Prof. Junaidu previously served as Commissioner for Animal Health and Fisheries Development in Sokoto State and held other responsibilities in the agricultural sector.
He thanked his mentors, senior colleagues, peers and younger Fellows for their support, prayers, endorsements and votes, as well as members of the public who supported his candidacy from within and outside Nigeria.
He also commended the Electoral Committee, led by Prof. Caleb Kudi, for conducting what he described as a credible electoral process.
Urging unity after the election, Prof. Junaidu called on all Fellows to work together to build a stronger and more progressive College.
“The election is over, and building our College is now our collective responsibility. I accept this mandate with humility and a deep sense of duty.”
He pledged to work closely with Deputy Provost Prof. Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies, the College leadership, faculties, Fellows and other stakeholders to deliver an inclusive and progressive agenda.
Prof. Junaidu called on all Fellows, regardless of their positions during the election, to unite around the values of excellence, professionalism, inclusiveness, innovation, integrity and service.
He assured that his administration would remain open to ideas and partnerships, stressing that the strength of the College lies in the knowledge, expertise and commitment of its Fellows.
The new Provost also appreciated members of the veterinary profession, colleagues, students, well-wishers and members of the public for their congratulatory messages and prayers.
“This mandate belongs to all Fellows. Together, we will build on the achievements of those before us, tackle new challenges, and take the College to greater heights,” he stated.
