Dr. Mary Angani, a Poultry Veterinarian made Africa proud when she won the World Veterinary Poultry Association (WVPA)/Zoetis Young Poultry Veterinarian Award this time last year.
The Award is presented annually to a young poultry veterinarian who is seen to be a credit to the profession, who is an ambassador and a communicator and who would be seen as a worthy winner by all sections of the poultry industry.
Currently, in the third year of her PhD on novel diagnostics for coccidiosis at Nottingham University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in the United Kingdom, Angani spoke exclusively to Dotun Ibiwoye of Diplomatic Watch about her life experiences, motivations, growing up and other inspirations that shaped her success in her field of study.
Excerpt:
By Dotun Ibiwoye
As the 2018 award winner of the World Veterinary Poultry Association/Zoetis Young Poultry Veterinarian, what were the landmark experiences that contributed to making you who you are today?
I wouldn’t say there was any landmark experience of sorts that contributed to my being given the award, it was just me doing my own thing. i.e I have had an interest in poultry medicine since my third year at University when I did my industrial attachment with an Institution that had a big poultry establishment and while in the hatchery I saw how things were done.
I learnt a lot while I was there and my interest in poultry medicine was sparked. I went on to do my master’s degree in poultry medicine at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. I was employed in the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in 2012 and there I taught poultry medicine courses and worked in the Veterinary teaching hospital attending to poultry/ wildlife cases and working with local farmers performing farm visits and giving advice.
I then proceeded to The University of Nottingham to pursue a Phd on molecular based diagnostics for Eimeria infections in poultry. The award is given to a young poultry veterinarian (less than 35 years) who does something that differentiates them from their peers. I think its my consistency, dedication and passion that has made to be recognised for what I am doing.
How do you combine teaching and clinical practice and possibly criss-crossed both areas in remarkable manners?
The training I acquired in the Veterinary school was equipped me well for that. While from the first year to 5th year we taught various courses, in our final year, it was strictly clinical courses and we get to apply all we have learnt over the years.
Coming from a developing country to the U.K for your PhD, what lessons can be learnt by the developed countries in your field of study?
The most important lesson I have learnt is to keep evolving and improving on techniques and approaches on handling. Regular feedback from clients/customers/ students will create an opportunity to improve oneself. I have learnt to be very open and receptive of feedback and to constantly seek it so I can know what I am doing right and what needs improvement.
What was your growing up was like?
Growing up was stable and normal, nothing out of the ordinary. Ours was a close-knit family and my parents were protective and shielded us a lot.
What are those values that you cherish so much that have been key to your significance today?
I would say being true to myself, going for what I want and believing that only me can stop myself. Sincerity, honesty and integrity are values I cherish and like to live by
Who are your role models?
In my field Professor Paul Ayuba Abdu of Ahmadu Bello University. He has been a huge inspiration and a very good role model.
What do you consider your greatest achievements?
My greatest achievement would definitely be the young poultry Veterinarian award I received. The feeling of being recognised for what you do is priceless and I grateful for that.
What keeps you entertained when you’re not on the job?
I love travelling and seeing new places. I watch movies, I particularly binge watch crime and investigation.
In the light of that can we know the sources of your inspiration?
My faith is at the centre of my inspiration, my family inspires me too and my few good friends.