Association of Veterinary Medicine Students (AVMS), University of Ibadan chapter, held her Freshers’ Orientation and Lab coat ceremony at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Auditorium, University of Ibadan on Friday, July 5, 2024.
With the theme “Navigating Veterinary Education in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities”, the speakers at the freshers’ ceremony were Prof J. O. Olopade, a Professor at the Department of Anatomy;  Prof. A. B. Ayinmode, HOD-Elect, Veterinary Parasitology; and the  CEO Global Wyse Limited, Dr. Segun Makanjuola.
In her opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor Olufunke Ola-Davies, while welcoming the students described the orientation as one of the initiatives of our AVMS.  In her words, Professor Ola-Davies said “We are holding this ceremony with our students who crossed from the faculty of science where they held their100 level in 2022 to 20223 session and are now fully our students in 2023” 
According to her, the lab coat ceremony is symbolic of the task ahead of the new students as it will be required of them to have their lab coats on during all practical sessions as well  as in the clinics.
Appreciating the subdean undergraduate, Dr. Olayinka Anifowose, the AVMS President, Mr. Hameed Saheed, and his excos for the organisation of the ceremony, Ola-Davies told the students: “it is important to call your attention to the fact that Veterinary Medicine is not a sprint but a marathon. Here students interact with each other and with faculty members.” “Social learning is most intense here. Of course, your health and safety come first” she maintained. 
The Dean who boasted that the University of Ibadan has the best veterinary medical school in Nigeria with the strongest education program, she admitted being proud of the students for their outstanding success.
Furthering on the significance of the lab coats, she said “You will wear your white coat as a symbol of purity, honesty, egalitarianism and trust.
According to her, the choice of the course in UI, is stepping into an important profession, adding that the students have also, in effect, stepped into a lifestyle that requires hard work under highly demanding conditions.
She also assured that “we will always be with you through your entire journey. It is our responsibility to ensure that you make the best of the universities and faculty’s facilities for your education, personal and professional development.
Listing the many activities and community services of the faculty, she enjoined the students to actively participate in the activities. She concluded by charging the students to join students club that suits that, stating her best wishes in their academic journey at the university.
Other activities at the event were games, questions and answers session, reading of the prospectus by the Subdean undergraduate, speeches by the faculty officer, subdean clinic's address, Patron and Matron’s charge as well as speeches from invited organisations.
Also present at the event were Prof. M.O.  Oyeyemi, the Faculty officer, Mrs Dibosa; Drs Foluso Bolaji-Alabi, Charles Olaogun, among others.