BREAKING: Nigerian veterinary student of Ogbomoso heritage wins big at global stage

BREAKING: Nigerian veterinary student of Ogbomoso heritage wins big at global stage

Yinka ADETUNJI

A Nigerian veterinary student Ahmed Saheed Olaide has emerged as the Veterinary Student of the Year in the World Veterinary Association Global Veterinary Awards.

Ahmed Saheed Olaide is a native of Ogbomoso Oyo state from Isapa sub-kingdom, and is a final student at the Nigeria’s premier university – the University of Ibadan (UI), where he is president of the Association of Veterinary Medical Students (AVMS) UI. He is also the National President of the International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA-Nigeria).

The prestigious award is conferred by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in partnership with Ceva Santé Animale (Ceva). The awards recognised five outstanding veterinarians across different categories, those who have demonstrated excellence and made remarkable contributions of veterinary professionals worldwide. The conferment ceremony came up during WVAC2025/AVMA Convention in July of 2025 in Washington DC, US.

Ceva the proud partner in the award is the fifth-largest animal health company globally.

Ahmed, according to the literatures of the WVA Global Veterinary was selected for his outstanding academic performance, cutting-edge research in infectious diseases, and exceptional leadership in animal welfare and public health advocacy. His accomplishments reflect a deep commitment to the principles of One Health, integrating veterinary science with broader public health goals.

Ranked among the top 5% of veterinary students at his university, Ahmed has consistently demonstrated advanced technical proficiency in molecular diagnostics, including PCR, sequencing, and epidemiological modeling. At the Damien Foundation Genomics and Mycobacterium Research and Training Centre, he has contributed to key projects in zoonotic tuberculosis surveillance and antimicrobial resistance, placing him far beyond the typical undergraduate level.

His final-year project, a groundbreaking study on the Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonellosis in Donkeys in Nigeria, explores a neglected area in veterinary public health. The study holds major implications for antimicrobial resistance control and animal health policy in the region.

Beyond the laboratory, Ahmed is a passionate animal welfare advocate and a transformative student leader. As National President of the International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA-Nigeria), he spearheaded nationwide campaigns promoting responsible antibiotic use, humane animal treatment, and improved biosecurity in veterinary practices. These initiatives, backed by funding from organizations such as Ceva and the Morris Animal Foundation, have made a tangible impact on veterinary professionals, livestock farmers, and policy circles.

Ahmed also co-founded the Bridge Vet Network, a mentorship platform connecting veterinary students with industry experts. His leadership as President of the Association of Veterinary Medical Students (AVMS) UI led to the revival of the AVMS Dog Show, creation of a career mentorship program, and implementation of student welfare improvements.

Through the Softpaw Animal Foundation, Ahmed has led community efforts to rescue and rehabilitate injured animals and raise awareness of animal welfare best practices in underserved communities.

Reacting to Ahmed’s feat, Felix Metzger, President, International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA), says, “Ahmed’s recognition as Veterinary Student of the Year is a proud moment for IVSA and the entire global veterinary student community. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to the One Health vision have inspired countless students across borders. From championing animal welfare to advancing scientific research, Ahmed exemplifies what it means to be a veterinary leader of the future. We celebrate this well-deserved honor and look forward to seeing the impact he will continue to make in our profession and beyond.”

Professor Susan W. Mbugua was awarded the biggest honour of the night – Veterinarian of the Year. Professor Susan W. Mbugua, also the winner of the Veterinary Education category, is retired Professor of Veterinary Surgery from the University of Nairobi, she revolutionised veterinary education through her expertise in complex surgical disciplines, while serving as Founding Chairperson of the Kenya Small and Companion Animal Veterinary Association and shaping professional standards across East Africa.

Dr. Susan W. Mbugua (center) is honored with the Veterinarian of the Year Award from the World Veterinary Association (WVA) along with a WVA Global Award for Veterinary Education. (Photos by Lucy Kennedy)

Professor Mangala Gunatilake was honoured in the Animal Welfare category. A distinguished professor at the University of Colombo, she developed Sri Lanka’s first ethical guidelines for animal-based research and founded the Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Science (SLALAS), championing compassionate animal care through education, clinical work and advocacy.

Dr. Mangala Gunatilake (center)

Dr. Randall Singer received top honours in the Medicine Stewardship category. A professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota, he has shaped global antimicrobial stewardship through groundbreaking research, policy development, and advisory roles with the U.S. Presidential Council and Codex Alimentarius Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance.

Dr. Randall Singer (center) with Dr. Susanne Heartsill, director of companion animal veterinary services for Ceva Animal Health, and Dr. John de Jong, WVA president (right)

Dr. Joni Scheftel, recipient of the One Health award, is a pioneering public health veterinarian with a distinguished four-decade career in advancing the principles of One Health. As a leader in the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and through her work with the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota, she has championed antimicrobial stewardship and developed crucial industry resources to safeguard health across species and environments.

Dr. Joni Scheftel (center)

Speaking on the partnership with WVA Global Veterinary Awards, Geraldine Kutas, Corporate Affairs and Communication Executive Vice-President for Ceva Animal Health, said: “At Ceva, we are deeply honoured to support the WVA Global Veterinary Awards. These awards shine a light on the extraordinary dedication of veterinarians and animal health professionals across the world. Their commitment not only safeguards animal well-being but also protects human health and our shared environment. Celebrating their impact is more than recognition—it’s an affirmation of the vital role they play in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”

In an interview Ahmed Olaide notes, “I moved on from the local level to regional and national and l found myself at the international stage, and now l can say thankfully, this really helped me in transitioning from a struggling veterinary student to the international level. This is what l really want to do with this profession l found myself.”

Elucidating on his Bridge Vet Network, he explains, “We use the opportunity to link the veterinary students to professionals that can train them, that can put them through, that can mentor them and they will be able to discover themselves the way they were able to. This is partly because l was also a beneficiary of a mentorship initiative and l said let’s name it Veterinary Link Initiative. It bridges the gap between a veterinary student and a veterinary professional.”

On his groundbreaking research on the drug resistant Salmonella disease in donkeys, he submits, “It exposed me to the field of research and l believe the outcome of the research will help me form a proper intervention and also shape the national policy especially when we work with donkeys in Nigeria.”

On his future plans, “My plan is to further my education, my plan is to advance my degree and l will be interested in focusing on public health and global health whereby l will be able to contribute to shaping policy that addresses health issue across the world.”

His traditional ruler – Orisatolu of Isapa Kingdom Ogbomoso, Oba Ezekiel Bolarinwa Olajide – enthuses about the feat of Olaitan, affirming he is is son.

Orisatolu of Isapa Kingdom Oba Ezekiel Bolarinwa Olajide

In a chat with ogbomosoinsightonline.com, Oba Olajide congratulates Ahmed, urging him not to rest on his oars just as he calls on the federal, state and local governments to celebrate and support him. “He is my son in Isapa Kingdom, but l am happy he has spotlighted Nigeria at the global stage. He brought honours to the country. When his feat is mentioned, searchlight will also be beamed on Oyo state, where he hails from. So, his feat is to the glory of Oyo state as well. I congratulate His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, it highlights the governor’s devotion to excellence and provision of enabling environment for brilliance to flourish. Individuals like Ahmed Olaide should be celebrated to serve as inspiration and motivation to attainments of excellence.”

Orisatolu, alternatively known as Onisapa, also felicitates the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III on the accomplishment, noting the paramount ruler’s push for “Greater Ogbomoso will be realised. This is another win. This is another pointer. I congratulate all Isapa people and Ogbomosos as a whole. In the same vein l rejoice with the chairman of Ogbomoso South local government, Hon Oyedokun Oyeniyi Timothy. Olaide is his son.”