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By Tracy Moses
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has donated 700 doses of anti-rabies vaccine to the University of Abuja Veterinary Clinic.
The gesture is part of the Ministry’s partnership with the institution to strengthen veterinary health services, promote research, and contribute to the global campaign to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, a goal championed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Rabies remains one of the world’s deadliest zoonotic diseases, claiming an estimated 59,000 human lives annually, mostly in Africa and Asia, according to WHO data. In Nigeria, cases of dog-mediated rabies continue to be reported across several states, largely due to low vaccination coverage, poor awareness, and inadequate veterinary infrastructure.
The Federal Government’s establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development marks a strategic step toward addressing these long-standing challenges. The Ministry aims to reposition the livestock sector through improved disease control, vaccination drives, animal identification, and modern ranching models.
Collaborations such as the one between the Ministry and the University of Abuja Veterinary Clinic are therefore critical to Nigeria’s commitment under the Global Strategic Plan to End Human Deaths from Dog-Mediated Rabies by 2030. By strengthening research institutions and field services, the government hopes to promote a “One Health” approach that links animal health, human health, and environmental safety.
As the University prepares to roll out its vaccination programme within the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities, the 700 donated doses are expected to protect hundreds of pets and livestock, helping to reduce the spread of rabies and raise public awareness on responsible pet ownership.
Announcing the donation during a courtesy visit to the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Matthew Adamu, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), Dr. Samuel Anzaku, said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to building stronger ties with academic institutions that are driving innovation in the livestock and animal health sectors.
According to him, the items handed over included 700 doses of anti-rabies vaccine, syringes, packs of cotton wool, disinfectants, and other veterinary consumables designed to support the University’s clinical and field vaccination programmes.
Dr. Anzaku underscored the importance of proper documentation and regular reporting of vaccination activities, noting that such data are crucial for planning, disease surveillance, and achieving Nigeria’s rabies elimination targets.
“This collaboration underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of the University of Abuja as a strategic partner in advancing animal health research and veterinary public health. The Ministry will continue to provide technical and logistical support to ensure rabies is effectively controlled, not just on campuses but within surrounding communities,” he said.
In his response, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Matthew Adamu, commended the Ministry for the timely intervention and assured that the vaccines and materials would be put to effective use.
“This donation will go a long way in improving the quality of our veterinary services and public health outreach. With Dr. Anzaku’s leadership as Chief Veterinary Officer and the Federal Government’s support, we are confident of positive transformation in veterinary practice, disease surveillance, and in reaching remote communities where livestock and pets are concentrated,” Professor Adamu said.
He further called on Nigerian universities to establish prototype ranches to serve as models for teaching, research, and revenue generation, emphasizing that such initiatives would bridge the gap between policy and practical application in animal science and livestock management.