Admission
Study and graduation
Handling of Academic grievances
Students Academic Advising
Examination
Academic Atmosphere
Admission
1. A minimum number of 5 ‘0’ level credits at WASC or NECO level with a minimum JAMB score of
180 into 100 level. Candidates must have credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, chemistry
and Biology.
2. Direct Entry (i.e. 200 level) requirement include at least 10 points from IJMB plus the stated ‘0’ level
requirements or equivalent.
Admission is based on 45% merit, 35% catchment and 20% educationally disadvantaged states. For admission into 100L a candidate must score not less than 180 points in JAMB. And must meet the minimum ‘O’ level requirement of 5 credits in relevant subjects. Candidates with ‘A’ Levels are admitted into the 200L. Transfer from a recognized University is allowed depending on the candidate’s CGPA, character and the merit of the case.
Study and graduation
100 level – One academic year of two semesters, each of at least 15 weeks of
lectures, tutorials, laboratories, practical and orientations.
200 level – As in 100 level
300 level – As in 100 level and 8 weeks of SIWES at the end of the semester under Veterinary Surgeons registered with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria and in accredited Veterinary establishment. Planned industrial visits.
400 level – Same as in 300 level
500 level – Same as in 400 level
600 level – As in 300 level + Clinics and final year DVM project
Students are required to submit the reports of clinical cases handled during the SIWES programme and VCN industrial work to the appropriate bodies for evaluation and approval. As required by the VCN, only students who graduated successfully and completed satisfactorily the 6 months duration of industrial training programme are duly registered by the VCN and therefore, can practice legally the profession of Veterinary Medicine in Nigeria.
A student remains of good standing academically when his/her CGPA is up to 2.4. A student is placed on probation when his/her CGPA falls below 2.4 for 2 consecutive semesters. A candidate stands withdrawn if the CGPA remains below 2.4 after the probation.
a) Semester grades are calculated as Grade Point Averages (GPA) on the basis of A(70-100%), B(60-69%), C(50-59%), D(45-49%), E(40-44%) and F(0-39%), which are equivalent to 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and 0 grade points(GP) respectively for classified degrees.
b) For non classified degrees such as ours, only letter grades A, B and C corresponding to 5, 4, and 3 are pass grades.
c) The minimum pass mark is 50% or GP of 3.00 which translates into a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.40.
d) Failure in any course shall be recorded as such and can only be remedied by re-taking and passing the course. Occasionally third semester programs are held while the University is considering the adoption of a resit.
Handling of Academic grievances
Academic grievances are usually channeled by students thorough their class advisers to the Deputy Dean and finally to the Dean of the Faculty. Each officer addresses grievances within his/her capacity and if they are above the capacity of the officer, they are then forwarded to the immediate superior, relevant Head officer. Finally, the highest body that handles academic grievances is the Standing Committee and the Faculty Board of Veterinary Medicine
Examination irregularities/malpractices are handled by a special committee comprising academic staff members of the Faculty. The recommendations of the committee are forwarded to Senate for deliberation and approval
Students Academic Advising
There is a class representative for each level from 100 – 600 levels elected democratically by members of the class. The student representative channels all academic matters first through their class representative to their class academic adviser, who is appointed by the Standing Committee of the Faculty.
Heads of Department, Deputy Dean and Dean, regularly advice students on academic matters. There is also the Association of Veterinary Medical Students (AVMS) in the Faculty. Academic staff, usually one lecturer per department serves as advisers to this Association on academic and professional matters.
Examination
Examination questions are set by lecturers teaching the course. Then, questions are first considered by the Departmental Board of Examiners, chaired by the Head of Department who is the chief examiner for courses by his/her Department. The examinations are conducted at the same time by the Faculty following the release of the Faculty Time Table. Examinations are usually invigilated by lecturers who have not taught the course during the semester and the Faculty coordinator of the examinations is the Faculty Examination Officer and his Assistant
Students are evaluated on the basis of their Continuous Assessment results (which include theoretical and practical examinations) and end of semester examinations comprising written and practical/oral examinations. The continuous assessment carries 50 – 60%% of the total score while the end of semester exams carries the rest. All answer scripts and questions papers are moderated by the Department Board of Examiners and the External Examiners for that particular course. For this reason, question papers after moderation by departmental Board of Examiners are forwarded to the External Examiner for that course before being processed for the examination. The External Examiner is also invited to physically come and examine the students and cross check their marked scripts during the second semester examination
The examinations results are presented to the Departmental Board of Examiners for consideration and moderation and thereafter, to the Chief Examiners and Class Advisers, Faculty Board of Examiners and Faculty Board of Veterinary Medicine. The outcome of the deliberations is then forwarded to the University Senate for consideration and approval. Statement of results is issued to the students after the approval of the results by the University Senate.
Students are encouraged by their Class Advisers to concentrate on their studies and give it the most deserving priority over any other thing. They are advised not to be involved in examination malpractices, cultism, not to overload themselves in terms of credit load per semester.
Academic Atmosphere
The Faculty policy adopted and practiced in pursuit of academic standards and maintenance of the academic atmosphere is a good working relationship between staff and students.
The students have to obtain exit permits when absenting themselves especially when traveling. With the approval of the exit permit, the student may be given a make-up test, resit examination etc. conducted during his/her absence. Also genuinely sick students covered by a medical report (to be confirmed by the University Health Services – Sick Bay) may also be considered for any other examination missed.
Seminars, workshops etc within and outside the Faculty/University are organized by Faculty staff and students regularly.
Also, the Association of Veterinary Medical Students (AVMS) students’ week is not only given moral advice but financially assisted, with the participation of Faculty staff members and guests within and outside the University.
Students are encouraged to form self study groups as well as an Association of Veterinary Medical Students. The Association of Veterinary Medical Students (AVMS) which is a local branch of the National Association of Veterinary Medical Students (NAVMS) with its current Headquarters and National President based at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is a forum for students to interact on academic and professional matters. The Association of Veterinary Medical Student (AVMS) thus organizes the open house every second semester, lasting 2 – 3 days. The open house gives the students an opportunity to advertise their future professions to the entire University and Zaria community. Lectures, symposia, field work and trips are organized by the students under the supervision of the advisers and Faculty staff.