As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to threaten health systems, food security, and livelihoods globally, the role of the veterinary profession has never been more critical. Veterinarians are central to antimicrobial stewardship, disease prevention, surveillance, and the One Health response to AMR. Yet the effectiveness of this role depends fundamentally on how future veterinarians are trained.
In 2023, the One Health and Development Initiative (OHDI) supported and co-led a national research study examining how antimicrobial resistance is taught within Nigerian veterinary schools, with particular attention to curriculum content, One Health integration, and awareness of national and global AMR policy frameworks. This research is currently under consideration for peer-reviewed publication.
Why Veterinary Education Matters for AMR
Antimicrobial use in animals, whether for treatment, prevention, or production, plays a significant role in the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens. As a result, veterinary graduates are not only clinicians, but also frontline stewards of antimicrobials and key actors in national AMR containment strategies.
While previous studies in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries have highlighted AMR knowledge gaps among veterinary students, less attention has been paid to the educational systems and curricula that shape these outcomes. Understanding how AMR concepts, stewardship principles, One Health thinking, and policy frameworks are embedded in veterinary training is essential for building a workforce that can translate AMR policy into practice.
What the Research Examines
This study adopts a comparative, cross-sectional approach, engaging veterinary students from multiple Nigerian universities to explore how AMR education is delivered across institutions. The research examines exposure to core AMR concepts, practical and theoretical training, One Health framing, and familiarity with national and global AMR action plans.
Importantly, the study moves beyond individual knowledge assessment to focus on curriculum structure, institutional variation, and policy literacy, key but often overlooked dimensions of AMR preparedness. By doing so, it provides a systems-level perspective on how veterinary education supports, or constrains, national AMR efforts.
Linking Education to Policy and One Health Systems
A defining feature of this work is its explicit focus on policy literacy. Nigeria’s National Action Plan on AMR, alongside global frameworks such as the WHO Global Action Plan, relies on trained professionals who understand not only the science of resistance, but also the governance, coordination, and stewardship principles underpinning AMR action.
By examining how these policy frameworks are reflected (or absent) within veterinary training, the study contributes to broader conversations on how professional education aligns with national health priorities and One Health strategies.
Why This Research Is Important Now
Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its AMR response, transitioning from early policy development toward deeper implementation and systems strengthening. Ensuring that future veterinarians graduate with consistent, comprehensive, and policy-aligned AMR competencies is essential for the sustainability of this response.
This research provides an evidence base to inform curriculum reform, professional regulation, and national competency frameworks, helping to ensure that veterinary education supports antimicrobial stewardship, One Health collaboration, and effective policy implementation.
OHDI’s Commitment to Systems-Level AMR Solutions
This study reflects OHDI’s broader commitment to addressing AMR through research, policy engagement, and capacity strengthening. By focusing on education as a foundational system, OHDI continues to support long-term, sustainable solutions that go beyond short-term awareness campaigns.
Once published, the findings from this work will be shared to support dialogue among academic institutions, regulators, policymakers, and One Health stakeholders working to strengthen Nigeria’s AMR response.
