The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration (DVC -Admin), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Isaac Butswat, has been inducted as the 50th Fellow of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP).

Butswat, a professor of Animal Science, was elevated to the highest rank of the professional body at the 49th Annual Conference of The Nigerian Society for Animal Production in Collaboration with the University of Ibadan, held  between March 25 - 28, 2024 in Ibadan.

“ The investiture as fellow was in recognition of my immense contribution towards the development of animal agriculture within and outside Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, “every year, during the annual conference, they induct deserving individuals as fellows. It might be one or more persons. This year during the 49th annual conference I happened to be the only one.”

Speaking on what NOUN stands to gain from this elevation, the professor of Animal Science, in a chat with NOUN News, said “it will serve great advocacy purposes for NOUN, help in accreditation issues and induction of our graduate animal scientists, amongst other things.”

The excited Butswat expressed his sincere gratitude to NSAP for the honour, “I was highly elated and feel a sense of fulfilment. I felt happy and satisfied as well as being encouraged to keep doing the works that attracted the recognition.

“I’m also grateful to those that found me worthy and a large number of my former students who are occupying very significant positions in the society as of today. I’m also very appreciative of the Vice-Chancellor, NOUN, Prof. Olufemi A. Peters for constantly creating an enabling environment for one to explore, express his potential and excel.

“Whatever it is that one is doing that is praise worthy, one should keep doing and in due time, such a one will be recognised. To God be all the glory.”

The DVC is a Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science; Fellow, College of Animal Science; Fellow, Animal Science Association of Nigeria and now Fellow, Nigerian Society for Animal Production.

NSAP was established some 49 years ago with the aim of bringing persons with interest in animal agriculture for the development and improvement of that sector of agriculture.

Its membership comprises the academia, industry and policy makers, mainly animal scientists, veterinarians and related disciplines.

The event was graced by distinguished personalities and industry players in the sector.