Professor Aka Lawrence Gerald is a Professor of Veterinary Physiology at St. Matthew's University. He has over 28 years of experience in university teaching and research. He currently serves as a faculty member at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine of the Global University System, Canada in Cayman Islands, British West Indies, where he rose to the rank of full Professor. Previously, he held a long-standing position at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he rose to the rank of Associate Professor and served as the Chair of the Department of Veterinary Physiology. Throughout his career, he has served as a consultant to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and as a mentor to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Mr. Michael O. Aka serves as the Secretary of the Board and Director of Public and Private Partnerships, bringing a unique blend of scientific rigor and strategic leadership to our organization. A PhD Candidate in Environmental/Analytical Chemistry at the University of Waterloo and an Ontario-licensed specialist in water quality and pharmaceutical technology, Michael possesses extensive expertise in analytical method development, quality assurance, and GMP-regulated manufacturing. Beyond his technical accomplishments, he offers proven administrative leadership as the CEO of Amenom Nigeria LTD, skillfully bridging the gap between complex operational standards and organizational growth. By leveraging his professional background and cross-sector experience, Michael is dedicated to cultivating impactful public and private alliances that strengthen our initiatives and advance our core mission of education and welfare. 

Dr. Chika Florence Ikeogu is a distinguished academic and veterinary professional who serves as a Member of the Board of Directors and the Director of Finance. An Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, she possesses a rare and powerful combination of clinical expertise and high-level administrative acumen. Dr. Ikeogu holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and a PhD in Fisheries, complemented by an MSc in Business Administration, which uniquely qualifies her to oversee the organization’s financial strategies and policy frameworks. A Fellow of Aquatic Veterinary Medicine and a member of prestigious global bodies—including the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association and the Fisheries Society of Nigeria—she integrates her core interests in fisheries and policy development to drive sustainable growth. Her extensive leadership background, ranging from veterinary practice to academic administration, ensures that the organization’s fiscal management is aligned with its mission of educational excellence and animal welfare. 

Dr. Ibe Eugene Chukwu is a seasoned Veterinary Surgeon and project management expert who serves as a Member of the Board of Directors and the Director of Training and Logistics. With a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and an MSc in Environmental Management and Control from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Dr. Chukwu integrates clinical precision with environmental stewardship. His professional capacity is further bolstered by specialized certifications in Project Management and Monitoring & Evaluation in Global Health from the University of Washington, USA, making him uniquely qualified to oversee the organization's complex logistical frameworks and educational training programs. Currently serving as the Chief Veterinary Surgeon at Ibechuks Services & Consult, he also holds the position of Global Secretary for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine UNN Alumni Association. Dr. Chukwu’s core dedication to animal welfare, wellbeing, and disease control drives his commitment to delivering high-impact, operationally sound initiatives that advance the organization’s mission across all sectors.

Dr. Oluwa Adike Agbonu is an esteemed Veterinary Physiologist and Theriogenologist who serves as a Member of the Board of Directors and the Director of Education & Scholarship. Currently an Associate Professor of Veterinary Physiology at the University of Abuja, Dr. Agbonu brings a high level of academic rigor and pedagogical expertise to the organization. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, alongside an MSc and PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His specialized knowledge in reproductive and digestive physiology, endocrine regulation, and toxicology impacts on animal reproduction informs his approach to veterinary science and student mentorship. As a member of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN), and the West African Society of Toxicology (WASOT), Dr. Agbonu leverages his extensive professional network and academic background to lead the organization’s educational initiatives and scholarship programs, ensuring the next generation of veterinary professionals meets global standards of excellence.

Dr. Chinyere Charity Ilonze is an esteemed Global Health Strategist and veterinarian who serves as a Member of the Board of Directors and the Director of Investment & Entrepreneurship. Currently based in Geneva, Switzerland, as a strategist with the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Ilonze brings high-level international expertise in market access, project management, and the strengthening of regulatory systems. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Ibadan and an MSc in Public Health from the University of Western Cape, South Africa. Her core interests lie at the intersection of regulatory affairs for vaccines and medical devices and the development of sustainable market initiatives. By combining her deep clinical roots with global regulatory acumen, Dr. Ilonze provides the strategic leadership necessary to drive the organization’s investment goals and foster entrepreneurial excellence within the global health and veterinary sectors.

Dr. Uju Okafor is a distinguished veterinarian and security consultant who serves as a Member of the Board of Directors and the Director of Welfare & Humanitarian Services. A Senior Officer in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Okafor brings a unique and vital intersection of public safety and veterinary expertise to the organization. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), an MSc, and a PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and is a Fellow of the Veterinary Public Health College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria. Her extensive background—which includes an HND in Animal Health & Husbandry and memberships in the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) and the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN)—highlights her deep-rooted commitment to livestock health and community security. Dr. Okafor leverages her specialized skills in public health and civil defense to lead the organization’s humanitarian efforts, ensuring that animal welfare initiatives are integrated with essential social support and community safety protocols.

Dr. Eze Chekwube Paul is a distinguished Consultant Veterinarian and technical leader who serves as a Member of the Board of Directors and the Director of Clinical Services. With a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), an MSc, and a PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Dr. Paul brings a high level of clinical expertise to the organization. His technical proficiency is further enhanced by advanced international training in Poultry Production and Aquatic Management from Kansas State University, as well as a Proficiency Certificate in Management from the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Currently serving as the National Technical Manager at Mikson Industrial Ltd., he has previously held significant leadership positions, including Secretary General of both the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (Enugu State Chapter) and the Poultry Association of Nigeria (Enugu State Chapter). Dr. Paul’s core interests in biosecurity, healthcare, and disease control ensure that the organization’s clinical initiatives are governed by industry-leading standards and a steadfast commitment to animal welfare.

Dr. Bernard Nwabueze Sunday (DVM, M.Sc) is a Veterinary Doctor, academic, and technology professional who serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Veterinary Education and Animal Welfare Center. He also leads the organization’s Communications & Tourism Directorate and the Advertising & Marketing Directorate, where he oversees strategic communication, public engagement, brand visibility, and partnership development to advance veterinary education and animal welfare initiatives. Dr. Bernard holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Master’s degree in Animal Health and Production, and he currently lectures in the Department of Animal Production and Health at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. With additional expertise in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and software development, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to promoting animal health, strengthening livestock systems, and expanding the global impact of veterinary education through innovative communication, digital outreach, and One Health–driven initiatives.