The Federal Government has announced with pride the international recognition of two distinguished Nigerian veterinarians by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in what has been described as a defining moment for the country’s animal health sector.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known on Tuesday 28th April, 2026, during a high-level strategic engagement with Directors of Veterinary Services held in Abuja.
The Minister revealed that Dr. Junaidu Maina Ahmed has been selected to receive the prestigious 2026 WOAH Meritorious Award in recognition of his outstanding technical, scientific and administrative contributions to veterinary public health, both in Nigeria and globally.
Similarly, the Acting Director/Chief Executive of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Dr. Nick Nwankpa, has also been nominated for the same honour in acknowledgment of his significant contributions to the advancement of animal health.
Describing the development as a moment of national pride, the Minister stated, that he acknowledge with great pride the remarkable strides being made by our veterinary professionals. “Today, I feel the tallest on the planet earth, knowing that Nigerian veterinarians are being recognised globally for their excellence.”
He added that the recognition underscores the growing relevance of Nigeria’s veterinary services in global health security and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to repositioning the profession.
The Minister declared he will make this profession enviable and the first choice for the upcoming generation, stressing that the Federal Government will continue to elevate the status of veterinary practice through strategic investments, policy reforms and sustained institutional support.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, said the recognition of Nigerian veterinarians on the global stage was a clear affirmation of the depth of expertise, resilience and professionalism within our veterinary workforce. It reflects not only individual excellence but also the steady progress being made in strengthening animal health systems across the country.
She noted that the honour comes at a time when the Federal Government is deliberately investing in reforms to reposition veterinary services as a critical pillar of national food security, public health, and economic growth.
Dr. Akujobi encouraged the recipients to see the recognition as both motivation and responsibility to deepen standards of practice, embrace innovation, and continue to uphold the highest ideals of the profession in service to the nation and humanity.
Also speaking, the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, expressed delight at the recognition, noting that it comes at a critical time for the profession.
He described the award as a good season for the veterinary profession in Nigeria, highlighting that it reflects years of dedication, resilience and professional excellence within the sector.
The recipients expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a humbling honour that reflects both personal dedication and the collective progress of Nigeria’s veterinary profession.
They commended the support of the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in strengthening the animal health sector and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing veterinary public health, research and innovation in service of national and global animal health outcomes.
The WOAH Meritorious Award is one of the highest global recognitions in animal health, conferred on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and impact in advancing veterinary science and public health.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 18, 2026, during the 93rd General Session of the WOAH World Assembly of Delegates in Paris, France.
