The [Nigerian Association of Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists (NAAHHT)](https://www.naahht.org.ng) South‑West Zone appealed for enhanced professional status, improved working environments, ongoing training and effective deployment of veterinary technicians and technologists on 12‑15 May 2026, during the inaugural World Veterinary Technician and Technologist Week held at the Dr K. J. Nwufoh Auditorium, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan. The appeal aimed to reinforce animal health, public health and national food security.
**What was the occasion?**
The event marked the first celebration of World Veterinary Technician and Technologist Week 2026, organised under the theme “Empowering an Essential Workforce for One Health Future”. The gathering brought together practitioners, students and policy makers to highlight the contributions of middle‑ and junior‑level animal health personnel.
**Who led the keynote address?**
NAAHHT national president, Mr Kazeem Ayobami Akingboye, delivered the keynote speech. He praised the [World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)](https://www.oie.int) for acknowledging the role of these professionals and used the platform to call for systematic support and career progression pathways.
**Why is professional recognition critical?**
Akingboye recalled a long‑standing dispute over the use of the prefix “Vet” for HND and ND holders. In 1989, NAAHHT approached the Industrial Arbitration Panel, a move that led to the current designations: “Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists” for HND graduates and “Animal Health Assistants/Technicians” for ND graduates, each with built‑in promotion routes.
> “Collaboration without subjugation remains the primary focus,” Akingboye > asserted, urging members to maintain competence, ethical standards and > animal welfare while encouraging students to join NAAHHT activities.
**What academic contribution was presented?**
Prince Oyewumi Oyedele Oyetunde, NAAHHT national vice‑president for the South‑West Zone, presented a paper titled “The Role of Veterinary Technicians and Technologists in Advancing Animal Health, Public Health and Food Security”, outlining how the workforce can drive improvements across the One Health spectrum.
The ceremony concluded with a call for stakeholders—including government agencies, educational institutions and private sector partners—to invest in the veterinary technician and technologist cadre, ensuring they are fully integrated into Nigeria’s animal health and food security strategies.