© 2013 AU-IBAR. Prof Ahmed Elsawalhy wearing the academic regalia of the FCVSN in his office at AU-IBAR, Nairobi.The Director of AU-IBAR, Prof. Ahmed Elsawalhy, was recently honored by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) and the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (CVSN) with the prestigious award of the Fellowship of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (FCVSN) honoris causa. The award was bestowed during the 4th convocation ceremony of the College that took place on 12th November 2013 at the ECOWAS secretariat, Abuja, Nigeria. According to the Provost of the College Prof J. U. Umoh, Prof. Elsawalhy was honored in recognition of his contribution to the development of the Veterinary profession.
The colorful ceremony that also marked the joint Golden and Silver anniversary celebrations of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) respectively, was witnessed by over 2000 Veterinarians and other stakeholders. Prof. Elsawalhy was honored in absentia alongside four other eminent personalities and global giants in the profession – General Yakubu Gowon – Former Head of State of Nigeria (1965-1975) who signed the VCN Decree into law in 1969; Dr Bernard Vallat- Director General of OIE; Dr Alex Thierman – OIE/Head of the Terrestrial Animal Health Commission; and Dr Jimmy Smith – the Director General of ILRI. The award was received on his behalf by Dr. Ibrahim Gashash Ahmed.