From : Unical

UNICAL VC EXTOLS ANIMAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT FOR UPRIGHTNESS IN MAINTAINING ACADEMIC STANDARDS    

Posted Date: Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. James Epoke has extolled the Animal Science department of the  University of Calabar, for its uprightness in maintaining high academic standards, meeting deadlines and proposing of several schemes in the on-going transformational re-organisational processes that could enhance world class rating of the University.

The Vice Chancellor who was represented at the occasion by Dean of Arts, University of Calabar, Prof. Andrew Uduigwomen made the assertion at the maiden event of Animal Science Graduates induction into the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS).

Prof. Epoke said the enormous challenges on ground makes the Profession unattractive for any unless the institute will rise to the occasion and defend the professionalism.

He frowned at the ugly scenario where available seed stock of day old chicks, kids, heifers and gilts in Nigeria performs less than one third of the World Standards adding that Nigeria imports 95% of it’s milk needs and animal feeds are far below quality standards.

The Vice Chancellor implored Animal Scientists to evolve rapid, efficient, extensive and intensive best scientific production methods to address Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in animal protein and for foreign exchange.

Prof. James Epoke said the University of Calabar, has resolved to support this Professional body to fully realize it’s set goals and requested for a conspicuous visibility of the institute in Unical by way of centre of excellence in any area of Animal science discipline.

At the ceremony, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources management, University of Calabar, Prof. Marian Solomon, thanked the various Universities for honouring the invitation adding that their commitment to scholarship, endurance and distinction in character has earned them the honour.

Prof. Marian Solomon advised the Animal Science graduates and members of the professional and regulatory body to abide by the code of conduct of the Institute.  

She said the faculty of Agriculture, forestry and wildlife Resources Management is proud to present 53 students from the graduation classes of 2006 – 2010 for admission into the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science (NIAS).

Speaking at the occasion, the Head of Department of Animal Science University of Calabar, Dr. Martins Isika pointed out that the University of Calabar has effectively identified with this professional body in the past to push the frontiers of the Institute in Agricultural development.

Dr. Martins Isika said as part of individual and corporate responsibility, Registered Animal Scientists are charged with the principal functions of prescribing standards of academic qualification, animal production, product quality, code of conduct/practice of the profession.

He applauded the Institute Committees, Strategic and tactical responses to national and livestock issues, alliances and partnership with Local and International Professional bodies, the mandatory capacity building and members welfare as well as improved visibility in the print and electronic media of the Institute.

While inducting the graduands, the Registrar of Nigerian Institute of Animal Sciences, Dr. Godwin Oyediji charged the newly inducted members to be good ambassadors of the institute by acts and character exhibiting professionalism.  

The Registrar reminded them of the act of oath taking during induction and the need to adhere strictly to the professional ethics and warned them against unethical  and unprofessional conduct as the institute will not hesitate to withdraw the certificate of anyone found wanting.

In an address presented by the President, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science Prof. Placid Njoku charged the inductees not to see themselves as ordinary graduates but graduates who has been inducted into a professional and regulatory body.

Prof. Njoku said he believes the newly inductees will make meaningful contribution to the  transformation of Animal Science practice in Nigeria, foster high standard of Education and explore the range of Jobs, specialisations and career paths that are available and emerging for qualified Animal Scientists.

The President of the Institute stated other contributions to include determining the standard of training and practical skills to be attended by persons seeking to be registered to practice as Animal Scientists in Nigeria, being a resource person for information on issues of public concern related to Animal husbandry.

The President sincerely thanked the University of Calabar and the Institution for providing resources for producing graduates that will transform the Nation and the World at large.

On behalf of the Inductees, Mfon Johnson expressed sincere gratitude to the department of Animal Science of the various Institutions that  presented it’s graduates for Induction into the Noble Institute and promise to be of good conduct to uphold the ethics and integrity of the profession.

The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of Certificate to 53 students from graduation classes of 2006-2010.