Saheed Ahmed, a graduating Veterinary Medicine student from the University of Ibadan, has been named the world’s best veterinary student by the World Veterinary Association for his academic excellence, leadership, and advocacy, earning international recognition and a €5,000 award.
Saheed Ahmed, a final-year Veterinary Medicine student at the University of Ibadan, has been named the Best Veterinary Student in the World by the World Veterinary Association (WVA), an international body representing over 80 veterinary associations globally.
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Ahmed shared the story behind his prestigious award, which comes with a €5,000 cash prize, an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. for the 2025 World Veterinary Congress, and international recognition for both himself and his institution.
The award followed a highly competitive application process requiring proof of academic excellence, leadership experience, research involvement, and community service. Applicants submitted motivation letters, recommendation letters, CVs, and published research, with Ahmed’s outstanding record standing out to the WVA panel.
“This process was a reflective one,” said Ahmed. “It helped me appreciate how far I’ve come—recognition aside, just revisiting my journey was rewarding in itself.”
Ahmed emphasized that while the monetary benefits and travel opportunities were valuable, the true reward was the recognition of his dedication to veterinary medicine, public health, and leadership. He hopes the award will inspire more students in Nigeria and across Africa.
“It’s not just my win; it’s a win for the University of Ibadan and the veterinary profession in Nigeria,” he said. “It puts a spotlight on the training quality here and creates visibility for future scholars.”
From class representative to faculty president and then National President of the International Veterinary Students’ Association (Nigeria), Ahmed has consistently served in leadership roles. His efforts included spearheading national health campaigns, leading cross-disciplinary projects, and winning grants for public health and animal welfare advocacy.
He noted that balancing these responsibilities with the demanding Veterinary Medicine program wasn’t easy:
“Managing both academic rigour and national advocacy work taught me time management, resilience, and the power of staying focused on purpose.”
Ahmed’s journey into veterinary medicine began after graduating top of his class from the College of Animal Health in Ibadan. Motivated by a cousin who was a veterinarian and determined to exceed expectations, he pursued a veterinary degree to merge his passion for science and service.
“People doubted I could handle the rigour, and that doubt became fuel,” he said. “I wanted to prove that I could not just survive the training but make an impact in the field.”
Ahmed credited his success to his strong support network, including family, lecturers, mentors, and friends, as well as his faith and self-belief. Looking ahead, he plans to focus on global health, One Health, antimicrobial resistance, and building mentorship platforms to support young professionals, especially across Africa.
“I want to contribute to global policy, public health research, and advocacy efforts that bridge human, animal, and environmental health challenges,” he stated.
This inspiring milestone adds to the growing legacy of excellence at the University of Ibadan, as Ahmed joins a new generation of African changemakers shaping global conversations in science and health.
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