Society Trains Agric Students on Animals’ Welfare

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

The Animals Welfare Society of Nigeria (AWSON) has organised an inaugural training programme for students of colleges of agriculture and universities, aiming to promote animal welfare standards in Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training held at Bauchi State College of Agriculture yesterday, AWSON President, Professor Mohammed Sanusi, explained that the training was part of the organisation’s commitment to educating and advocating for animals’ welfare in Nigeria.
“Our goal is to impart basic knowledge and skills to young graduates, enabling them to effectively promote animal welfare in their future careers,” he said.
According to him, 60 students drawn from Bauchi State College of Agriculture, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, and Sa’adu Zungur University are participating in the four-day training, where expert presenters address pressing animal welfare challenges.
Sanusi called on the National Universities Commission and National Board for Technical Education to incorporate mandatory animal welfare courses into university and college curricula.
Also speaking, AWSON Vice-President Dr Shehu Zailani Abdulqadir encouraged the participants to apply their newfound knowledge to safeguard the welfare of animals in their communities.
He added that the training aimed to equip students with expertise in animal welfare, promoting a culture of compassion and responsible animal care.
In his presentation, Dr Oluwaseun Serah Iyasere of the Federal University of Agriculture’s Department of Animal Physiology emphasised the importance of animals’ welfare, saying it is not only a moral duty but it enhances food quality and reduces health risks.