Mavis Bajah* (25) has spent the last few years navigating the ups and downs of veterinary medicine in Nigeria. From grueling studies to the realities of working in an underpaid and underappreciated field, Mavis has seen it all. Mavis opens up about her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and what keeps her going.
Let’s get into it.
Can you introduce yourself and share your educational background in veterinary medicine?
My name’s Mavis Bajah, and I’m a fresh graduate and soon-to-be inducted Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Being a student of veterinary medicine wasn’t always a walk in the park, though. I failed a lot when I started – it was tough keeping up with different species and having to read constantly. But one thing I never thought of was giving up. I put my head in the game, and now I’m a proud graduate, aka The Doc!
Take us back to the beginning. What sparked your interest in veterinary medicine, and what motivated you to pursue this career?
Honestly, my main inspiration for becoming a veterinary doctor was my love for cats. There’s something about looking at them that just makes my world go round. I wanted to know more, I wanted to know how to save one if it ever got sick.
What’s a typical day for you as a veterinary doctor?
I’m usually at the clinic by 8 am, going through previous and current case files. Then, I handle cases depending on how busy the day is. I specialize in small animal medicine, and I totally love it.
What are some of the toughest challenges you face as a vet doctor in Nigeria? How do you overcome them?
Being a vet in Benue state isn’t exactly encouraging, to be honest. We’re underpaid, and veterinary medicine isn’t very appreciated here in Nigeria. Unlike other countries, pets aren’t valued as much. But, I’m determined to make a difference.
Are there any exciting innovations or opportunities in veterinary medicine that you’re looking forward to exploring?
Yes, there are a lot of opportunities out there! I’m really interested in research and academia, and I’d love to work with NGOs or the Centre for Disease Control. The public health aspects of veterinary medicine are really fascinating to me.
What do you believe are the most pressing animal health issues in Nigeria right now? How can we address them?
There are a few issues we’re facing. One major problem is the lack of awareness among farmers or prospective clients. Some people don’t even know that animals should be vaccinated or dewormed. Another issue is the hike in prices of vaccines – they should be readily available for our pets.
To address these challenges, I think the government can provide vaccines at subsidized rates. We also need awareness campaigns by veterinarians to educate people with limited knowledge on animal welfare.
What advice would you give to young people who are interested in veterinary medicine?
The journey is long and challenging, but trust me, it’s worth it. Once you’re done, there are a lot of opportunities that your certificate can get you.
How can farmers and animal owners better collaborate with veterinary doctors to improve animal health and productivity?
Farmers and animal owners should always have a vet on speed dial. If their animals face a health crisis, they should contact a vet ASAP to prevent mortalities and enhance productivity.
What’s a typical salary range for a veterinary doctor in Nigeria, and how does it vary depending on factors like location, experience, and specialization?
Typically, the salary range is around 150k-300k, and sometimes more. But, it varies greatly depending on the location, experience, and specialization. For example, Benue state pays veterinary doctors between 50-80k, unlike other big cities. Large animal and exotic medicine pays a higher salary than small animal medicine, and reproductive and surgical aspects of veterinary medicine offer even higher pay.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to have completed my Msc and landed my dream job. Fingers crossed!
Nigerians are only interested in owning animal farms and making money out of them, but then they really do not care about the animals and at the end of the day they complain about the animals dying for unknown reasons. And I must say that in this part of the world we don’t care about pets, virtually every animal is seen as food, and the few people who even take their pets to see a Vet are seen as fools who have money to waste. We have a long way to go.