The Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), Professor Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe, has highlighted the School's remarkable growth and achievements while urging students entering the clinical phase of their training to uphold professionalism, integrity and excellence.
Speaking at the 11th White Coat Ceremony for the SVM Class of 2028 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), under the theme "Beyond the Coat: Shaping the Future of Humanity," Professor Emikpe described the occasion as a significant milestone marking the students' transition from pre-clinical studies to clinical training.
He noted that the School had recorded substantial growth in student enrolment, infrastructure, research and international recognition over the years. According to him, enrolment figures have increased significantly, accompanied by improvements in human and material resources to support quality veterinary education and training.
Professor Emikpe emphasised that while students have access to unprecedented levels of knowledge and information, success in the veterinary profession depends equally on attitude, ethics, professionalism and the ability to build meaningful relationships.
"As you transition into clinical training, remember that you are not only acquiring knowledge but also building professional networks and relationships that will shape your future career," he advised.
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Christian Agyare, praised the KNUST School of Veterinary Medicine for its transformation from a small unit during the University's restructuring into a fully established and growing academic institution.
Professor Agyare expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the School for the benefit of students, parents and staff.
"The reason why I am happy is that I am happy for the students and also their school, and for the parents and guardians," he said.
He highlighted improvements in enrolment, academic capacity, postgraduate training and research output. He noted that the School had moved from having "zero research grants attraction" to securing significant research funding in recent years and urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum.
The Provost added that the School had attracted an increasing number of international students, including prospective admissions from Liberia and other countries, reflecting its growing global recognition.
He advised students to prioritise professionalism, ethics and attitude alongside academic knowledge.
"The private sector will be looking at your attitude; your professionalism and ethics are very important," he stated.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Director of the School of Graduate Studies, Professor Michael Opoku Boansi, commended the School for its steady development and reaffirmed the University's commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen veterinary education and clinical training.
He urged students to complement their academic knowledge with qualities such as honesty, hard work, punctuality and respect for others.
"Knowledge alone will not guarantee success. There are basic principles in life: hard work, integrity, time consciousness and respect for people that are equally important for professional growth," he said.
Professor Boansi also challenged students and alumni to contribute actively to the development of the School and leave lasting legacies that would benefit future generations.
An alumna and former class representative, Dr. Mrs. Rebecca Ayorkor Buxton of Tema Animal Hospital, encouraged students to embrace humility, dedication and patience as they begin their clinical training.
"The white coat is not just a garment; it represents responsibility, service and commitment to humanity," she said.
Dr. Ayorkor Buxton reminded the students that veterinary medicine extends beyond the treatment of animals to safeguarding public health, supporting livelihoods and contributing to national development.
