The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAHPT) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing veterinary education and professional capacity building through its participation in an international workshop on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the veterinary workforce.

The three-day workshop, held from 1–3 December 2025 at North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa, was organized under a project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The programme focused on developing sustainable and innovative CPD models for veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals (VPPs) across Africa.

Strengthening Veterinary Continuing Professional Development in Africa

The workshop brought together representatives from veterinary and animal health training institutions in Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda, as well as CPD providers and regulatory bodies, including the South African Veterinary Council. Participants shared experiences on national CPD frameworks, accreditation systems, regulatory challenges, and best practices for improving professional training in the animal health sector.

Through participatory sessions, institutions assessed their strengths and gaps in CPD delivery and explored practical strategies for achieving financial and operational sustainability. Tools such as business model canvassing, peer learning, and strategic planning were applied to reduce reliance on donor funding while enhancing the quality and accessibility of CPD programmes.

Focus on Innovation, Sustainability, and Capacity Building

Key thematic areas discussed during the workshop included:

Sustainable financing models for veterinary CPD

Public–private partnerships in animal health training

Proposal development and institutional resource mobilization

Digital learning platforms and blended training approachesModular and competency-based CPD programmes

At the end of the workshop, each participating institution developed a 12-month implementation plan outlining priority actions for strengthening CPD systems, improving accreditation processes, and expanding professional training opportunities for veterinary personnel.

College Representation and Institutional Commitment

The Acting Provost of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Dr. Chidi Okpeze, attended the workshop, representing the College and reinforcing its dedication to aligning veterinary training with global best practices. His participation highlights the College’s strategic role in supporting professional development, improved animal health services, and sustainable livestock production in Nigeria.

The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology remains committed to contributing to a skilled, resilient, and globally competitive veterinary workforce, in line with national development goals and international standards in animal health and production technology.