Banenat (Ben) Dogonyaro registered for the MSc (Veterinary Science) degree in the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases in 2009. The degree was awarded cum laude during the graduation ceremony on 8 April, 2O11. The title of his research project was ‘’Molecular Characterization of Canine Parvovirus Strains from Domestic Dogs in South Africa and Nigeria’’ and was supervised by Prof. Moritz van Vuuren and Prof. Estelle Venter as a co-supervisor. Ben is currently a staff member of the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, in Nigeria.

Ben was also recognised as a Golden Key (GK) International Honour Society member for an Outstanding Academic Achievement. The award was handed over by Mrs Dorette Visser Parsons, Director, South African Headquarters-GK International Honour Society, on 13 October, 2O15 at the Normaal Hall (Groenkloof Campus of the University of Pretoria).

Regarding his experience as a postgraduate student in the DVTD, Ben writes the following:

"The University of Pretoria - Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases experience was wonderful both academically and socially. It’s well organized leadership, expertise and the friendly nature of the good people around me really played an important role during my stay at OP. Above all, God Almighty made the enabling environment possible for this Outstanding Academic Achievement award through hard work (interest, determination and concentration)."

The DVTD congratulates Ben on his achievements and wishes him well with his future endeavours.  

​Ben-Dogonyaro BB, called on stage for recognition as a Golden Key (GK) International Honour Society membership, for his Outstanding Academic Achievement Award-cum laude in the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases.