The School of Veterinary Sciences (SoVS) started as the Veterinary Science Department (VSD) of the Faculty of Agriculture (FoA) in 2013 to train Para-veterinarians to assist Veterinary Surgeons in the performance of their duties.

Following a split of the three campuses of the University for Development Studies (UDS) into three autonomous Universities, and a conscious academic audit conducted by management in the year 2019, a re-structuring of the University’s programmes at all levels was proposed. Following these recommendations, a restructuring committee headed by the pro-vice-chancellor of UDS was constituted by management to implement its recommendations. Among other recommendations, the committee proposed the relocation of Veterinary Science Department from the Faculty of Agriculture to a more appropriate faculty, as this was inappropriately housed. It also proposed broadening of the departments programmes to train more qualified professionals for the Animal health and pet industries.

Following these recommendations, the department proposed the establishment of a School of Veterinary Sciences, and introduction new programmes to run parallel with the Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing programme. The school houses a number of departments collaborating to provide quality and practically orientated training in Veterinary Sciences.

It is a fact that veterinary professionals are ageing and inadequate efforts are being made to train more (http://svm.knust.edu.gh/). It has also become apparent that retired Veterinarians have to be re-engaged to cater for staff shortage, as occurs in most veterinary departments. Even though the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have recently started the DVM programmes, their lower intake rates may not be adequate to cater for National animal health professional requirement, particularly due to the long lag that occurred in their training. Additionally, the Ghanaian livestock industry is largely concentrated in the Northern part of the country, hence the need for a Veterinary School to serve this part of the country.

To become a centre of excellence for animal health provision on a global scale, through cutting edge research, animal health extension and teaching for sustainable national growth and development.

Our undergraduate programmes are designed to equip our undergraduates to:

1. Work together as team of veterinary professionals (veterinary surgeons and Para veterinary professionals) in effective animal health delivery.
2. Design and conduct animal health research using cutting edge skills.
3. Provide animal health extension to farmers and pet owners for the betterment of the industry.
4. Provide an avenue for further career development at post-diploma level

On behalf of the School of Veterinary Sciences (SoVS) at UDS, I extend a warm welcome to all visitors to our school webpage. This page is dedicated to presenting a brief definition of the school - its vision and mission in the service of community, and a brief overview of the departments and research centres of the school. The outdooring of a long-term national development plan for Ghana (2018-2057) in 2017 by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), necessitates re-defining priorities and developing our educational, scientific, professional goals and policies to comply with these constructive developments and be in line with their objectives. Accordingly, the SoVS dedicates its full scientific and professional potential to bringing the veterinary profession to an outstanding position among top leading resources contributing to the national economy; providing a major boost to local food security in line with our national development goals embodying the "One Health" concept. The school aims to strengthen the pivotal role of veterinarians in the protection of public health as the first line of defence for human health, protecting society against diseases, and ensuring food security.

The SoVS at UDS is the only institution in West Africa training professional veterinary nurses, and is planning to mount the BSC. Companion Animal Health and Husbandry programme, and has provided the Ghanaian community with professionally qualified para-veterinarians to work in various fields of animal health. The school is looking to achieve leadership and excellence in animal health education through adoption of international quality systems that ensure the production of high-quality graduates who can scientifically and professionally fit local, regional and international market requirement. The objective of the SoVS is to continually adopt new curriculum in line with international standards and market demands to enhance its role in community service. Further, the school thrives to ensure gender equity in access to animal health education by giving equal opportunities to males and females in its admission process. The school also aspires to find solutions to local, national and international animal health challenges through cutting edge research and extension. We are open to collaborations with both regional and international institutions, both government and private, Thank you.

PROF. ABDUL-RAHMAN, IBN IDDRISS
DEAN, SCHOOL OF VETERINARY SCIENCES