Vetinary medicine is the medical field that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in animals. Vetinary science or medicine came of age in the late 19th century, with notable contributions from Sir John McFadyean, credited by many as having been the founder of modern vetinary research. The first schools were established in United States in the 19th century but today vetinary medicine is studied in over 100 schools around the world of which one is University of Jos, Plateau state.
The faculty of Veterinary medicine in University of Jos was established in 2012 under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor Prof Hayward Babale Mafuyai(2012-) and admitted the first set of students in 2014 as at the time.
On speaking to the Deputy Head of Department, Dr Tanko Polycarp, he mentioned some of the challenge they’ve faced as a faculty over time of which one is the lack of staffs and human capacity. He said, “Majority of us do the work of four to five people which is not supposed to be”. He further shared that the staffs are usually stressed because they still have to attend to other things at the Teaching hospital also and this has become quite a challenge. Even though he said it was not just a faculty problem but also a national problem because since the university joined the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information Systems (IPPIS) in 2018, there has been an embargo on employment in the University which has not allowed anyone employ more staff since 2020 up until now. This has affected the faculty as it is just growing and is required to be employing staff from time to time.
Dr Polycarp expressed joy at the performance of his students most especially the ones who have graduated. He highlighted that they are among one of the best vetinary doctors in the country and have represented the faculty and school as a whole well.
Ephratha Mangai, a 300 level student of Vetinary Medicine said their course is really a unique one and requires much attention. In her words, “There’s always something new to learn if you’re studying vetinary medicine and it’s quite exciting”.
Elizabeth John, a 400 level student applauds the University for providing facilities that helps them learn better. She said even though their labs are not fully equipped but compared to other schools, she can proudly boast of her faculties equipment all thanks to the University.
Isa Mohammed, a 500 level student of Vetinary medicine complained about how school works can be hectic and balancing it with social life is quite hard. “But all the same it is part of the sacrifices we have to make to acquire knowledge”.
However, Martins Hassan, another 300 level student outlined some of the challenges they face as students of this prestigious faculty, of which one is the lack of mobility to the faculty. “The faculty is usually far from the school gate and there is usually little or no means of transportation which can cause a delay and lateness to classes”. He pleads with the University to provide help so as to make learning comfortable and stressfree. Vetinary medicine as a faculty continues to strive to achieve success amidst challenges and continues to make the faculty and university as a whole proud.
Reports and Photos by Gye-Wado Wamu Queen
Edited by Israel Fakwagh Ciboh
