The Federal Government has approved the appointment of substantive heads for key livestock research and training institutions across the country.

The appointments, approved by the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, are as follows:

• Dr. Dashe Yakubu Gunya – Executive Director, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Jos.
• Prof. Abdullahi Ahmed – Provost, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Vom.
• Dr. Moshood Popoola – Provost, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Ibadan.

The appointments followed a transparent and competitive selection process involving examinations and interviews for qualified candidates who applied for the respective positions.

During the presentation of the appointment letters, the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, congratulated the newly appointed Executive Director and Provosts and urged them to align their leadership with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security and sustainability agenda.

Dr. Dabban charged the appointees to transform their respective institutions into centres of excellence for teaching, research, and innovation. He further encouraged them to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and diligence in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He emphasized the importance of pursuing an ambitious leadership agenda focused on:

• Improving institutional governance;
• Enhancing research capacity;
• Strengthening collaboration with stakeholders;
• Promoting staff welfare; and
• Advancing Nigeria’s National Agricultural Research System (NARS).

The appointments take immediate effect from 21 July 2026 and are for a five-year tenure.

The appointments are expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s livestock research, education, and capacity-building efforts, contributing significantly to national food security and sustainable agricultural development.

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