The Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), has trained veterinary paraprofessionals to bridge the human resources gaps in veterinary medicine in Nigeria.
Prof. Musa-Abdullahi Mahadi, Director, DAC, ABU, told newsmen on Tuesday in Zaria that the training was to rid quackery and strengthen access to sustainable animal health services.
Mahadi said the first set of 25 beneficiaries of the partnership recently graduated from the college, adding that more would be trained under the collaboration.
He added that DAC had established linkages and partnership with various government and Non-Governmental Organisations towards strengthening its operations.
“Under such partnerships and collaborations, the UN, through the office of the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Amina Mohammed, supported developmental projects of the colleges.
“One of such support was the dredging of the college’s dam at College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Mando, Kaduna and linking the college with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
“The linkage between the DAC and FAO was hinged on training veterinary para-professionals to bridge the human resources gaps of veterinary doctors in Nigeria,’’ he said.
He said the beneficiaries of the programme were certified with the requisite skills to care for animals with a view to enhancing the ecosystem, protecting biodiversity and promoting food security.
The director said the collaboration between the college and the UN would also boost the learning ecosystem and infrastructure across the three colleges of the division.
Mahadi commended the support from Prof. Kabiru Bala, Vice-chancellor, ABU, for facilitating the provision of tractors and other learning infrastructures at the campuses of the college.
He also appealed for improved funding and support from the government to enable the colleges to bring more development and dynamic approach to modern agriculture towards enhancing sustainable food security
