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From R–L: Mr. Seun Ayorinde (Executive Director, Diversay Solutions Limited), Dr. Ayoola Oduntan (Group Managing Director, Amo Group), Professor Raymond Bako (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics), Professor Mohammed U. Kawu (Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine), and the Student Representative.
By Chinenye Anuforo
Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, Group Managing Director of Amo Group, donated a 2,000-capacity model broiler poultry pen complex to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in a move aimed at strengthening veterinary education, youth empowerment and sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.
The facility was unveiled and commissioned during the Faculty’s Veterinary Oath Taking and Induction Ceremony.
Oduntan, an alumnus of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ABU, Class of 1990, said the donation reflected his commitment to giving back to the institution that shaped his professional journey. He noted that contributing meaningfully to the university had been a long-held personal goal since graduation, adding that the faculty provided the foundation for the values, discipline and vision that guided his career.
The newly commissioned complex, designed and constructed by Diversay Solutions Ltd., a subsidiary of Amo Group, was described as a fully integrated commercial poultry operation. In addition to the 2,000-capacity broiler pen, the facility included an administrative office for poultry management staff, a borehole to ensure a steady supply of potable water, and an initial stock of 2,000 broiler chicks with feed supplied up to market weight. An offtake arrangement was also incorporated to guarantee the purchase of birds at maturity, allowing the project to operate sustainably as a business enterprise.
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Oduntan said the initiative was designed to expose veterinary students to real-world poultry production and agribusiness operations while still in school. According to him, the facility would enable students to gain hands-on experience in animal production, business management and value-chain operations, with the broader aim of equipping graduates with practical entrepreneurial skills.
“This facility is meant to function as a real commercial operation. Students will not only learn animal health and production, but also gain practical understanding of management, accountability and value creation. The goal is to ensure that veterinary graduates leave with the capacity to create income and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Raymond Bako, commended Oduntan for what he described as a timely and impactful intervention. He said the donation would strengthen practical training, research and entrepreneurship within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, while urging other alumni to support the institution’s development.
Oduntan also delivered the keynote address at the ceremony on the theme, “The Ingredients of Successful Poultry Startups: The History and Progress of the Noiler Chicken in Nigeria.” In the address, he highlighted the impact of the Noiler chicken, a dual-purpose breed developed by Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd., a subsidiary of Amo Group. He spoke on its role in improving food and protein security, enhancing nutrition in rural communities and providing sustainable income opportunities for smallholder farmers, particularly women and youths.
In recognition of his contributions to veterinary education, agribusiness development and national food security, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine presented Oduntan with an Award of Excellence.
The commissioning ceremony was organised by the Faculty’s Alumni Committee and was attended by members of the university management, faculty, students, alumni and members of the public.
