In a renewed commitment to advancing professional education and strengthening the veterinary sector, the Kano State Government has pledged to support indigenous veterinary medical students and called for greater recognition of the profession’s potential to impact public health and the economy.
The Secretary to the State Government , Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim, made this known while receiving the executive members of the Kano State Veterinary Medical Students’ Association, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, led by Comrade Abubakar Muhammad Mande who doubles as the Chief Representative of all Kano State indigenous veterinary students across Nigeria.
During the advocacy visit, the students presented a passionate appeal for the introduction of a bonding policy between veterinary students and the state government. The proposed initiative, they explained, would create a pathway for financial support from the government, alleviating the burden of tuition fees, practical training costs, and clinical fieldwork which remain significant hurdles in veterinary education.
Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim acknowledged the critical importance of veterinary medical services, stating that it is high time society appreciated the profession’s potential, just as it does with human medicine. He lamented the noticeable absence of indigenous private veterinary clinics in the state, despite the proliferation of human medical facilities in nearly every locality.
“The present administration is ready to support individuals and organizations committed to boosting the veterinary sector for the overall benefit of the state,” the SSG emphasized. He further assured the visiting delegation that the matter would be brought to the attention of all relevant ministries and agencies to find a lasting and practical solution.
Also present at the meeting was the Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Kano State Chapter, Dr. Sunusi Abubakar Atiku Sanka, who commended the government’s openness and endorsed the students’ appeal, noting that similar requests had been made in the past without implementation.
In a significant show of institutional backing, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Scholarship Board, Hon. Kabiru Getso Haruna, who also attended the meeting, welcomed the proposal and pledged the Board’s readiness to work with other government bodies to address the concerns raised.
The student delegation expressed deep appreciation to the Kano State Government for its continuous investment in education and youth development. They also thanked Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim and Hon. Kabiru Getso Haruna for their hospitality, encouragement, and sincere commitment to championing the educational advancement of Kano State students, especially in specialized fields like veterinary medicine.
