It was a proud moment for 228 agriculture students of FNU who graduated today.
While speaking at the graduation ceremony, FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Healey says graduates have demonstrated commitment and creativity needed to succeed in their chosen careers.
Healey says graduation is a significant step in one's life.
Meanwhile the Minister for Agriculture Dr. Mahendra Reddy says while the graduates have acquired a stock of knowledge, knowledge does not end here.
He says today’s ceremony will see the first lot of veterinary students graduating after completing their 5 and a half years of studies.
The minister says this is a milestone achievement and will go a long way in improving the livestock sector in the country.
He says this will also assist in upgrading and providing regular upskilling to our vet assistants which will be a cost-effective way of providing veterinary service to our farmers in the Agriculture Ministry which is spread across throughout the country.
Reddy says our animal health and husbandry extension officers can be upskilled and we will not have to hunt for qualified veterinarians from foreign countries.
He adds these new experts graduating today can now be utilized for consultation and providing service to individuals farmers, groups or corporations and government establishments on all aspects of livestock production and assist us in border control bio-security matters.
At the moment, we are actively pursuing the eradication of TB and Brucellosis amongst our beef and dairy cattle. This will provide much need support to further curve the spread of these diseases. I do hope that some of you will also consider establishing your own clinics to serve the public.
