NIAS inducts 252 animal scientists, charges them to uphold professional ethics
The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) has inducted 252 new Registered Animal Scientists (RAS) and five Associate Animal Scientists (AAS), charging them to uphold professional ethics, integrity, and innovation in advancing Nigeria’s livestock sector. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Animal Science Meeting and Industry Exposition in Abuja, the President of NIAS, […]
The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) has inducted 252 new Registered Animal Scientists (RAS) and five Associate Animal Scientists (AAS), charging them to uphold professional ethics, integrity, and innovation in advancing Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Animal Science Meeting and Industry Exposition in Abuja, the President of NIAS, Chief Simeon A. Ohwofa, said the induction marked a new chapter in the country’s drive to strengthen professionalism and quality standards within the livestock industry.
Abubakar noted that the newly inducted members had completed rigorous training and were deemed worthy in character and learning to represent the profession.
“Today, you do not just earn recognition; you inherit a mandate,” he told the inductees. “Your oath will not only license your practice but bind you to excellence, discipline, and national development. The badge you are about to receive is not for decoration, but for duty.”
He revealed that with the latest additions, the Institute now has 2,936 Registered Animal Scientists and 154 Associate Animal Scientists, including 127 Fellows.
The NIAS president commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a milestone that aligns Nigeria’s livestock sector with global best practices and opens new opportunities for professionals in the field.
Abubakar also emphasized the Institute’s ongoing partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) through the Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN) to promote safe, nutritious, and sustainable livestock production.
He urged the newly inducted scientists to contribute to food security, economic diversification, and sustainable agricultural development through research, innovation, and ethical practice.
“You are stepping into a profession guided by science, structured by ethics, and driven by service to humanity,” Abubakar added.
Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, called on animal scientists and industry experts to lead Nigeria’s transition to modern livestock production, stressing the need to develop a Nigerian cattle breed that meets global standards.
Maiha said the creation of the new ministry marks a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history, after years of advocacy by stakeholders.
“For the first time since independence, we have a government that recognizes the importance of livestock and has established this ministry,” he said.
Maiha urged researchers and professionals to work towards producing local breeds capable of gaining two kilograms per day with efficient feed conversion rates.
“Our vision is to move beyond inefficient traditional systems and make our livestock sector legitimate, competitive, and globally recognized,” he said.
The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s untapped potential in the $300 billion meat market, urging stakeholders to position the country for export opportunities in the Gulf region.
He added that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to achieving food security and self-sufficiency, ensuring that “Nigerians drink fresh milk from Nigerian cows and eat quality meat from Nigerian farms.”
The 2025 Animal Science Meeting and Industry Exposition brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s livestock value chain and positioning animal science as a driver of national development.