The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has pledged robust financial and institutional backing for the takeoff design of the Eruwa Veterinary Field Station.
The move, it was gathered, is targeted at strengthening veterinary education, food security, and agricultural development in the area.
Ogundoyin made the commitment while presiding over the 55th Oath-Taking and Induction Ceremony of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduands at the University of Ibadan.
This was as the Speaker equally received a recognition award of excellence for his contribution to legislative reforms and transformation towards the development of the state.
Addressing participants at the event, the Speaker described the ceremony as a defining moment marking the transition from academic training to professional responsibility.
He stressed that the veterinary profession remains pivotal to national development, particularly in safeguarding public health and ensuring sustainable food systems.
According to him, “Food security and public health are inseparable pillars of economic stability. Veterinarians occupy a critical position in protecting both, and their role cannot be overemphasised in today’s evolving agricultural landscape.”
Speaking on the Eruwa Veterinary Field Station, Ogundoyin traced its establishment to 1977, when over 2,000 acres of land were made available through the intervention of the late Oba Bolanle Olaniyan and the Eleruwa-in-Council.
He described the facility as a strategic asset with vast potential for practical training, research advancement, and community engagement.
The Speaker, however, noted that the full capacity of the station remains largely untapped, calling for deliberate collaboration among government, academia, and industry stakeholders to reposition it as a centre of excellence.
He said,
“The Eruwa Veterinary Field Station holds immense promise as a hub for research, training, and innovation. What is required now is a coordinated and structured approach to unlock its full potential for the benefit of the state and the nation at large.”
To this end, Ogundoyin pledged substantial support towards the takeoff design phase and endorsed the constitution of a technical committee to develop a clear, actionable framework for transforming the facility into a centre for food safety, agricultural productivity, and economic growth.
He further emphasised the need to reform veterinary education to align with real-world demands, advocating increased focus on practical training, agribusiness development, and value-chain integration.
In their separate remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, and the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. B. O. Olugasa, commended the graduands and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and relevance in veterinary education.
Other stakeholders at the event also called for sustained investment and stronger partnerships to advance veterinary practice and enhance national food systems.
In recognition of his contributions and consistent support for the faculty, Ogundoyin was presented with the Outstanding Leadership and Supporter of the Faculty Award.