World Veterinary Student of the Year: This Ogbomoso student deserves recognition
Femi OGUNLANA
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It’s inspiring hearing another Nigerian from Oyo state, Ogbomoso specifically, being named 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, where Olaide was also conferred.
Other awardees at the global event were Professor Susan W. Mbugua, retired Professor of Veterinary Surgery from the University of Nairobi, Kenya (Veterinarian of the Year), Dr. Mangala Gunatilake, professor at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (Animal Welfare category), Dr. Randall, a professor of Epidemiology at the University of Minnesota (Medicine Stewardship category) and Dr. Joni Scheftel (One Health award).
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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 said to be 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.
Reward to boost excellence
The feat of Olaide might not have had such impact as that of athletes who excelled in sporting activities but academic excellence is of no less in terms of value and honour. Such feat spotlights the country at the global stage and reminds the world Nigeria is not all about bad narratives.
Thus, it’s not for nothing, and so, bestowing commensurate honours and recognition on such high performers, who went all out to distinguish themselves is worth it, it not only stimulates commitment to greater feat but also encourages others to toe the path of recording remarkable extraordinary achievements.
To emerge the number one veterinary student globally is no mean feat, and l am of the opinion that he has earned a spot for national recognition. If in a world dripping with crimes, yahoo yahoo and co, instigated by youths, and one as Ahmed shows up he should be is entitled to all the accolades.
In the same vein he is merits recognition in the state, therefore, l call on the Oyo state government to accord him one as a pat on the back. Oyo state has a history of rewarding excellent accomplishments and l hope the one recorded by Saheed Ahmed Olaide will not pass unnoticed or unrecognised.
Likewise, Ogbomoso Community deserves to honour one of its own, it should indeed set the pace in this. And l think the forthcoming Ogbomoso Education Summit is a wonderful avenue to accord the young achiever recognition. This will unfold in accordance with the spirit of academic excellence being promoted by the Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, embodied in his 25 year-development agenda. It will be a right step in the right direction.
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The Oba has promised rewards in forms of scholarships to students and financial awards for schools, those who surpassed their peers, hence, the one who has attained global excellence l think deserves awards too.
Long live the King! Long live Ogbomoso! Long live Oyo state! Long live Nigeria!
Hear the reaction of Mr. Felix Metzger, President, International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA), to Ahmed’s feat, “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.”
Let charity begins at home.
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