The Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) has formally inducted 252 Registered Animal Scientists (RAS) and five Associate Animal Scientists (AAS), calling on the new professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and innovation. This significant ceremony, held during the 2025 Animal Science Meeting and Industry Exposition in Abuja, marks a strategic effort to professionalise and strengthen Nigeria’s vital livestock sector.
The President of NIAS, Chief Simeon A. Ohwofa, confirmed that the newly registered scientists had successfully navigated rigorous training and were deemed worthy in both character and technical expertise to represent the animal science profession. He emphasised that the induction was not merely a ceremonial recognition, but an inheritance of a serious mandate. The new members’ oath, he stated, “will not only license your practice but bind you to excellence, discipline, and national development,” stressing that the badge they receive represents a duty, not just a decoration. With these additions, the Institute’s registered membership now totals 2,936 Registered Animal Scientists.
Chief Ohwofa also used the occasion to commend the establishment of the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by the Nigerian government. He described the creation of the dedicated ministry as a milestone that aligns the nation’s livestock sector with global best practices and creates new avenues for professionals in the field. This political will, alongside partnerships with international bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aims to promote safe, nutritious, and sustainable livestock production across the country. The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reinforced this message, urging the scientists to spearhead Nigeria’s transition from inefficient traditional systems to modern, competitive livestock production. He specifically tasked researchers with developing local cattle breeds capable of achieving better weight gain and efficient feed conversion, with the ultimate goal of positioning Nigeria for export opportunities in the lucrative global meat market, particularly in regions like the Gulf.
This push for greater professionalism and scientific rigour has a crucial economic angle. Nigeria’s livestock sector, which includes cattle, poultry, and small ruminants, is a massive national asset, valued at an estimated ₦30 trillion, yet it currently contributes less than three per cent to the national GDP. Globally, the livestock industry typically accounts for about 40 per cent of agricultural GDP, highlighting a huge untapped potential for Nigeria. The induction of these new, ethically bound animal scientists is an injection of skilled human capital directly aimed at solving the sector’s long-standing problems: low productivity, limited access to modern technology, and poor quality control in breeding and feeding. By applying scientific methods including improved genetics, nutrition, and disease management these professionals are expected to significantly increase the yield of products like meat, milk, and eggs. Higher productivity, in turn, addresses the critical issue of food security for Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, reducing reliance on expensive imports and conserving foreign exchange. Furthermore, as the Minister suggested, achieving global standards in animal science practice is essential for penetrating the $300 billion international meat market. Professionals from NIAS are key to implementing the food safety and quality control measures necessary to gain export certification, thereby transforming the sector from one focused on domestic consumption to a significant source of foreign earnings and economic diversification. By enforcing a code of conduct and promoting knowledge-based development, NIAS is effectively ensuring that the economic potential of millions of livestock, which also support the livelihoods of millions of rural Nigerians, is fully realised in a sustainable and profitable manner.
