Celebrating ABUVET: A pillar of excellence at 63 years of ABU, by Junaidu Maina
A Legacy of Vision and Partnership
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria—popularly known as ABUVET—was established in 1964 through a visionary partnership between Ahmadu Bello University, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Kansas State University (KSU).
Under the agreement, KSU and USAID provided the initial academic staff and scientific equipment that laid a strong foundation for veterinary education in Nigeria. In 1965, additional support came from the Government of the Netherlands, working through Utrecht State University and the Dutch Technical Aid (DITA), to establish the Department of Parasitology and Entomology, further enhancing research and teaching capacity.
“ABUVET stands as a model of international collaboration and academic excellence in Africa.”
Six Decades of Impact and Excellence
For more than six decades, ABUVET has played a transformative role in advancing animal health, agricultural productivity, and public health—not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
Its unwavering commitment to teaching, research, and community service continues to shape lives, strengthen livelihoods, and drive national development.
Pioneers of the Profession
It was at ABUVET that the first generation of locally trained veterinarians graduated in 1967—a pioneering cohort that completed their pre-clinical courses at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s first veterinary faculty established in 1963.
These trailblazing men and women became the bedrock of veterinary services in Nigeria. Over the years, the Faculty has produced thousands of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), including students from Cameroon, Niger Republic, Ghana, Ethiopia, The Gambia, and India—many of whom have distinguished themselves both nationally and internationally.
Building Institutions and Leadership
From manning Federal and State Veterinary Services to leading institutions such as the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR), Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), ABUVET alumni have been at the forefront of policy, innovation, and leadership in animal health and livestock development.
“From laboratories to leadership, ABUVET graduates have shaped veterinary services at every level of the nation’s development.”
A Lasting Academic Legacy
One of ABUVET’s most enduring yet often underappreciated achievements is its deep influence on veterinary education across Nigeria.
Nearly all veterinary faculties in the country can trace their origins, leadership, and academic traditions back to ABUVET. This shared institutional DNA has fostered coherence, continuity, and strength in the profession. Even those trained abroad have, in one way or another, absorbed this legacy through mentorship, collaboration, or association with ABUVET-trained professionals.
Global Partnerships and Twin Pillars of Excellence
The historic partnership with Kansas State University (KSU) remains one of ABUVET’s defining achievements. It was instrumental in shaping early curricula, staff training, and research excellence—a collaboration that continues to resonate in international veterinary fora, reinforcing the global reputation of Nigerian veterinary science.
Similarly, the University of Ibadan (UI) played a complementary role in nurturing veterinary education in Nigeria. Together, ABUVET and UI stand as twin pillars of the profession laying the foundation for veterinary profession in Nigeria. Together, they defined the trajectory of veterinary education and practice in Nigeria and across Africa.
Honouring a Global Legacy
As history would have it, when Nigeria reported the first outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Africa in 2006, two of the international experts deployed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to assist were Dr William Amanfu (Ghanaian) and Dr. Tesfai Tseggai (Eritrean)—both ABUVET alumni of the Class of 1973. At different fora they testified that serving Nigeria at such a critical time was among their greatest professional satisfactions. It was, in their words, their way of giving back to the country that gave them education and opportunity.
On a personal note, although I did not receive my veterinary training at ABU, I take immense pride in having imbibed some of the “ABUVET DNA” through the mentorship and friendship of distinguished professionals such as Dr Bello H. Mohammed, the late Dr John Bincan, Dr (Mrs.) A. Fabunmi, late Dr F. Fasanmi, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, and my A-Level classmate, Prof. S. U. Abdullahi, who later became Vice-Chancellor of ABU — as well as Dr. Abu Ataja and many other esteemed colleagues from this remarkable institution
As we celebrate this remarkable heritage, we pause to offer prayers of gratitude for the many illustrious ABUVET graduates who are no longer with us. Their legacy of scholarship, leadership, and service continues to inspire generations of veterinarians and strengthen the noble ideals of the profession.
“Their footsteps echo through every classroom, laboratory, and field where veterinarians serve.”
A School Beyond Measure
Indeed, ABUVET is more than a school—it is an institution, a legacy, and a symbol of professional excellence and national pride.
