The School of Veterinary Medicine on the 14th and 15th of January, 2022 organized a 2-day Orientation for Freshmen. The first day of the programme was held at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH) and was well attended by faculty, staff, students of SVM, members of the University community and other stakeholders in the field of Veterinary Medicine.

The Ag.Dean, Dr. Hope Richard Otsyina warmly welcomed the newly admitted students to the school and set the mood for what was to be a remarkable occasion. He congratulated them for first, securing a place at the University of Ghana and second, for having to choose to study at the School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Otsyina encouraged the freshmen to study hard in order to achieve their aim of becoming Veterinary Doctors. Various speakers also had their turns to speak to the students.

Prof. Phyllis Gertrude Addo, a Professor in the school explained the importance of time management and the need for them to handle their freedom properly so as to accomplish a successful academic life. The chairman of the Veterinary Council of Ghana, Dr. Johnathan Amakye- Anim’s also exposed the students to the ethics and job prospects of their noble profession and urged them to discharge their duties upholding the standards of the profession.

Dr. Sherry Johnson another speaker at the event and a senior lecturer of the school, assured the freshmen that they were not alone and there was support at every level in their academic journey as long as they reached out, and the president of the students’ association (GVMSA), Mr. Derrick Adu-Asare introduced them to the various associations of the school.

For Day 2 of the orientation, the freshmen embarked on an excursion to Livestock and Poultry Research Centre (LIPREC) and the Accra Zoo. They tour was educative and exciting as well.

The programme was interactive and thoughts of the speakers gave insight to the freshmen as they chart new paths to success. It also gave the students the opportunity to have a first-hand experience of what to expect in the DVM programme and allayed all their anxieties.