By Ogbitse Meyiwa
The Association of Veterinary Medical Students has expressed their concerns and grievances to the Dean of Students, University of Benin school management, and the general public in a memo released.
Previously, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria shut down the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Benin, stating that the university did not meet the standard requirements to run a veterinary programme. The President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria explained that they closed down the veterinary programme at UNIBEN due to lack of standards after inspecting UNIBEN and other universities in Nigeria. He further stated that the University of Abuja was granted interim accreditation, with a review scheduled after two years.
Due to these circumstances, the veterinary students are distressed and angry, detailing the ongoing issues in the faculty in a memo addressing the current crisis.
They highlighted how the University of Benin abandoned a building project initiated 10 years ago by Prof. F. Oshodin, as well as the lack of lecture theatres, laboratories, and personnel. They drew the public’s attention to the poor conditions under which they receive lectures, in an unconducive environment, while the male and female hostels and the teaching hospital deteriorate.
The memo further highlighted that the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine comprises 10 departments, yet only seven staff members have been employed, along with some temporary lecturers. They also addressed the strain caused by the shortened duration of the programme, which is supposed to run for 15 weeks per semester but is often condensed into just 7 weeks, sometimes extending to 9 or 12 weeks. They noted that the course is intended to be taught thoroughly and smoothly, but students are instead rushed and pressured through the entire process.
The students questioned why the university chose to establish the faculty without being prepared to provide the necessary equipment and infrastructure for a doctorate degree programme. They also criticised the university for failing to inform them about the loss of accreditation, which they discovered online instead of being notified by the institution.
They expressed their dismay that the university has chosen to neglect the only Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the entire South-South region of Nigeria, emphasising the importance of the faculty to both human and animal health.
The students made several requests to the school management, including the provision of a well-articulated plan for delivering the amenities and infrastructure required to continue the programme. They called for an immediate reconciliation with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria and sought the prompt reaccreditation of the faculty. Additionally, they demanded the employment of more qualified academic and non-academic staff across the ten departments to ensure smooth operations.
They also requested the provision of a veterinary hostel to prevent students from being stranded when the university hostels are closed during holidays and clinical postings. Lastly, they called for proper funding for all departments within the faculty to ensure maximum output and effective operation.
The memo concluded with a warning of a peaceful demonstration if the school management fails to meet their demands. The demonstration is planned to commence on Thursday, 31st October, and will continue until their demands are met.
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