The Institute of Agricultural, Research, and Training (IAR&T), organized the certificate and award ceremony to 24 VPPS (Veterinary Paraprofessionals), the ceremony had in attendance Afrimash dignitaries from all spheres of life. The director of IAR&T gave the opening speech and welcomed dignitaries of the event who graced the occasion to celebrate the VPPS present at the occasion.

Among the dignitaries present at the event, were the commissioner of Agriculture, Bar. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, VC of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, Afrimash team, the president of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, AIG Dr Aishatu Abubakar Bajur, the Global Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations representative for the project, Project manager, Dr. Ally, also the FAO representative ad interim (A.I.) in Nigeria and to ECOWAS Mr. Koffy Dominique Kouacou was represented at the meeting.

the center of animal disease, chairman, Deputy Registrar Boyin Bukola, Deputy bursar of the institution, Senior adviser of the project, permanent secretary of agriculture, Oyo state, Head of Entrepreneurship center, Prof B.O. Lawal, representing chief veterinary officer of Nigeria and other distinguished professors of the institution. Head of Veterinary Doctors of Oyo state. Also, representatives of various media stations, such as; Channels Television, FAO media (FIAT PANIS), Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Vanguard, and CEO Africa, amongst others were present at the event to take coverage.

The FAO chairman gave the opening remark, and in his remark thanked all present in the hall, and said the VPPS had 19 hours of online course 12 days of conference, and intensive workshops. He also commended Dr. Alley, the FAO chief veterinarian officer in the world, the global VPPS coordinator, the Director of IAR&T Ibadan, Dr. Armstrong, who is a global professor, and the moderator welcomed representatives of Afrimash to the event.

The next agenda was taken by Dr. Seun, who gave an insight into what the project was all about, said the training was just a part of the project, as the overall objective of the project is centered on how to help farmers reduce mortality rate and increase the productivity of livestock, and increasing the capacity of the VPPS for veterinary practice as well as business building.

He also made mention of the pillars of the project which include developing a supportive business environment for the VPPS, competency recognition, ensuring the VPPS are recognized hence the need for the support of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, and continuous professional development or capacity building for the VPPS. The project also involves major stakeholders in agricultural institutions.

Also, a competency framework was created on the advancement of what the World Organization on Animal Health formerly developed called OIE Competency Guidelines for Veterinary Paraprofessionals, a global behavior tool to be used as guidelines for the operation and activities of veterinary paraprofessionals, this project aided the creation of the country’s specific framework base on the curriculum of training and activities. Narrowing down the 16 international guidelines to 12 guidelines by all stakeholders in the industry, veterinarians, veterinary paraprofessionals, and farmers.

OIE Competency Guidelines for VPPS

• Animal and Veterinary Science
• Laboratory Science
• Biosafety, Biosecurity & Occupational Health & Safety
• Communication
• Veterinary Legislation, Policies, Ethics and Professionalism
• Use and Management of Equipment and Facilities
• Animal Handling and Animal Welfare
• Animal Production and Agricultural Economics
• Specimen Collection and Sampling
• Laboratory and Field Testing
• Laboratory Quality Management
• Workflow Management
• Record Keeping, Data Collection and Management
• Disease Prevention and Control Programmes
• Veterinary Products
• Food Hygiene

The program also had the performance of the VPPS who demonstrated the role and importance of the VPPS in a role play, in which a VPPS assisted in providing a solution to the disease outbreak on a farm and also reaching out to the VPPS network to get aid to fight the outbreak and also the invitation of other farmers to benefit from the rich knowledge of the VPPS network. 

Nigeria’s chief veterinary officer, Dr Olumba T Aturu, gave a goodwill message from his representative, Dr. Kalu, who expressed his gratitude to the FAO and other paraprofessionals. Also, The FAO Coordinator, Dr. Alley, and Professor Neil, the commissioner of agriculture, amongst others were invited to the stage to present their goodwill message.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates and awards to the trainees and trainers. Certificates were presented to the 24 Veterinary Paraprofessionals  (VPPS), who completed the training program, and certificates were presented to the trainers who played a crucial role in the program. Also, a group photograph was taken with trainees, trainers, members of the high table, and everyone present at the event.

Afrimash Welcomes FAO Delegates

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations visited Afrimash after the successful completion of the Certificate and Award Ceremony of the VPPS, the delegates of FAO were given a warm reception by the Afrimash team as their coming was to discuss the continuous collaboration toward promoting sustainable agriculture in Africa. This collaboration is part of a broader effort by FAO and Afrimash to help African farmers increase yields and improve their quality of life through more efficient farming methods.