Dr Tunji Nasir has been elected President-elect of the World Veterinary Association (WVA), becoming the first Nigerian to attain the top leadership position in the global veterinary body.
The development was announced by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA). In a congratulatory message, NVMA President Dr Moses Arokoyo described Nasir’s emergence as a proud moment for Nigeria’s veterinary profession.
The statement, signed by NVMA National Publicity Secretary Dr Simiat Adeogun, celebrated the achievement as a major milestone for the country.
Although Nigerian veterinarians have previously held leadership roles within the WVA structure, none had attained the office of President or President-elect before now. Notably, Dr Gani Enahoro previously served as a WVA Councillor representing Africa, marking an earlier Nigerian presence in the association’s leadership ranks.
Dr Nasir brings extensive experience in both national and international veterinary leadership. Before his election to the WVA leadership, Nasir served as President of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA), a role in which he represented veterinary interests across Commonwealth nations. He has also held prominent positions within the Small Animal Veterinary Association of Nigeria (SAVAN), including serving as a past Vice President, and has been active in regional and continental veterinary networks.
Nasir’s emergence adds to a growing list of Nigerians occupying top global professional leadership positions. Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu currently serves as President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The immediate past President of the World Medical Association (WMA) is Dr Osahon Enabulele, while Engr. Mustafa Shehu recently served as President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO).
The World Veterinary Association is the global umbrella body for national veterinary associations, representing hundreds of thousands of veterinarians worldwide. It champions issues such as animal health and welfare, food safety and security, and the One Health approach that integrates human, animal and environmental health.
