Veterinary Medicine in Nigeria: History, Schools, Requirements, Salary, Hospitals.
The job of a Veterinarian is very daunting and interesting as his patients cannot even talk. He can work in variety of settings as he diagnose, treat diseases and manage injuries in different species of animals.
This varies from hospitals, clinics, to livestock farms for cattle, fish,sheep, goat, pig, dogs, rabbit etcetera, and wildlife.The word ‘Veterinarian’ comes from the Latin “veterinae” meaning “working animals.
Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, disorder and injury in animals.
The scope of Veterinary medicine is wide, covering all animal species, both domesticated and wild, with a wide range of conditions which can affect different species.
Schools/Universities that offer Veterinary Science in Nigeria
The first Veterinary faculty/college is the faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, in 1961.
At the moment, there are 11 Universities in the nation that offers Veterinary medicine and they include:
1. University of Ibadan, Ibadan
2. Ahmadu Bello Univeristy, Zaria
3. Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
4. University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri
5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
6. Federal University of Agriculture (Now JS Tarka University), Makurdi
7. Federal University of Agriculture,Abeokuta
8. University of Abuja
9. Univerisity of Ilorin
10.Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike
11. University of Jos
STUDYING VETERINARY MEDICINE IN NIGERIA
In Nigeria, the duration of the course is 6 years with internship incorporated within the program.
After completion of the program, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree is awarded.
Requirements into these schools depend on the school you are applying to.
Visit the website of the school of your choice to find out the minimum criteria for admission.
Post graduation from an accredited Veterinary faculty or college, graduates are inducted into the Veterinary profession at their oath taking and induction ceremony where they receive licence to practice.
This is issued by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria(VCN), VCN who is the professional regulatory body for all Veterinarians in the country.
Specialties in Veterinary Medicine
Veterinarians or Veterinary surgeon can specialize in different areas such as:
Small Animal Medicine,
Large Animal Medicine,
Veterinary Public Health
Pathology,
Poultry,
or Research.
Others may go on to complete intensive studies in branches like:
Radiology
Pharamcology,
Animal Dentistry,
Dermatology,
Cardiology,
Preventative Medicine,
Internal Medicine, or
Exotic Small Animal Medicine and Surgery.
Impact on the general public
Veterinary science helps human health through the monitoring and control of zoonotic disease (infectious disease transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa) and Veterinary scientists often collaborate with Epidemiologists. 61% of all human diseases are of animal orgin, the relevance of a Veterinarian is always going to be highly imperative across board. Vets were even at the forefront of ending malaria in the United States!
PROSPECTS
In the midst of rising unemployment rate, Vets can work apparently anywhere and in any industry; federal, state or private level. Employment opportunities for Vets are considered to be very stable.
With a boast of good renumeration, a Vet can work in Federal Teaching Hospital, a state, or private hospital, research facilities, farm, in the armed forces, human hospitals.
Reputable personalities who studied Veterinary Medicine in Nigeria include:
1. Former president’s daughter, Iyabo Obasanjo Bello who is an Epidermiologist. She graduated from the University of Ibadan
2. Beautiful Nubia, who grauduated in 1992 from University of Ibadan.
Reputable Private Veterinary Hospitals in Nigeria include:
1. Petcare Animal Hospital, Ikeja
2. TruthMiles Animal Limited, Ikeja
3. Critters veterinary center, Lekki
4. Zoba Veterinary Practitioners
5. Dr Tessy Veterinary Clinic, Ibadan
6. Vet World Wuse, Suite 1A, Glory Mojec Plaza, Alexandria Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja
7. MAC-ACEE Nigerians Limited Jabi Abuja
8. Blue Blood, No 36 Osun Crescent, off Ibrahim Babangida Boulevard, Maitama, Abuja
9. Thlala Kolo, Plot No. 629, Adjacent Ebenezer Place, Durumi Cadastral Zone B02, AMAC,ABUJA, FCT – Nigeria
10. Turner Wright, 15, Adenekan Salako Close, Ogba, Lagos Nigeria
11. Adamore, No. 32 Joel Ogunnaike Street
12. Animal Care, Plot 17, Block 1, 9th Avenue Oluyole Estate Ibadan, Oyo State.
Is Vet Medicine Lucrative in Nigeria? Salary structure of a Veterinary Doctor
Vet Medicine is lucrative in Nigeria depending on your expectations and the work you put at it.
According to Salary Explorer, the average salary of veterinary doctor in Nigeria is around #130,0000 Naira per month.
The least pay package of a budding vet doctor is around #110,000 Naira monthly.
A senior vet doctor can earn as high as 5 million Naira per month especially for those ones that are specialists and have private vet clinics or animal house.
NB: On the earnings of veterinary doctors in Nigeria, there is no fixed amount as figures do vary.
This article was written by:
Daniel Aremu, Doctor Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta – FUNAAB in commemoration of today’s World Veterinary Medicine Day celebrated on the 25th April of every year.
Edited by Dr Udomoh, Author @ NIGERIAN HEALTH BLOG
