John Anyam is a trainee at the University of Dundee’s Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research. A lecturer at Nigeria’s University of Agriculture in Makurdi, he is three months in to an 11-month placement at Dundee. Here he speaks about how his time in Scotland is transforming his life.
I am from Benue, where my mother worked as a nurse, and I think it was the stories she told me about her job that always made me want to help people. Today, I am a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, but just now I am in Scotland at the University of Dundee’s Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research.
My senior colleague had been here before me and discovered that the Wellcome Centre had an opening at the University of Dundee and asked me to apply. I arrived in September and will be here until August 2019. I am working in natural product isolation, learning about drug discovery and how to use plants to develop treatments for people who are ill.
I had never left Nigeria before, so coming to Europe made me nervous at first. I did not know what to expect from the people in Dundee, but they have been so friendly to me since I arrived. People shake my hand and say hello to me in the street, which was such a pleasant surprise. The city is very welcoming to African people and that has helped me to feel at home. I also attend church here, where I have made friends who have helped me to settle.
The weather has been very nice, and it is not as cold as I thought it might be. Dundee is also Scotland’s sunniest city and I’ve loved the temperature so far – it reminds me a little bit of Harmattan.
The facilities at the University are incredible, and the labs are like nothing I have experienced in Nigeria. Everything is right here and we do not have to wait for anything, where in Nigeria we can experience long waits in getting equipment or test results back. I am also getting to work with people from all over the world. We all work together and we all work in harmony, and that is something I am enjoying very much.
Choosing to come to the University of Dundee meant that I missed the birth of my second daughter in November. I cannot wait to see her at Christmas as I have only seen photos of her or heard her over the phone. While it has been hard being away from my wife and children, I know that everything that I learn here in Dundee will allow me to make life better for my family when I return to Nigeria.
Coming here has already given me experiences and opportunities that have changed my career. The knowledge that I am gaining means that coming to the University of Dundee has been one of the best decisions of my life.
Typically Dundee and its people : warm, friendly and always ready to help. I had my first contact with Dundee in 2011 for a professional development training in oil and gas contracts. I got hooked and I’m loving it. I have taken a Masters degree and currently onto a PhD research studies.
Nice story and experience. Congratulations John. I’m sure the experiences you’re gaining in Dundee will greatly improve your services back in Nigeria.
Wishing you the best as we expect you back 2019 in Nigeria.
So good to know that Dundee is good to you.
Keep making us proud,John.
This is very interesting sir… All the best in your research
Congratulations, sir.
Wishing you all the best in your endeavors. Hope you’ve a swell time in Dundee.
Cheers!
It was a nice piece from you, Sir. I have to eulogize you for your contributions towards the growth of the younger ones. The Almighty God will guide and guard you throughout you sojourn in UK and back to Nigeria.
Long live Africa
Long live Nigeria
Long live Benue state
Long live Professor Anyam
congratulations sir, i am proud of you
Interesting story!!!
May u continue to blessed by God. The whole world need chemistry because the well-being of the contemporary sciences rest on the shoulder of chemists. Thumbs up Sir..
Lovely story John Versh. Wishing you all the best. With this experience, it only gets better. Cheerio
Congratulations Dr John Anyam.Merry Christmas and a splendid 2019 at University of Dundee.
Congratulations sir… I am proud of you. God will help you over there and bring you back safely.