Photo: Jibrila sitting in front of Radix (Photo: Didi de Vries)After a long lunch break Ibrahim Jibrila returns to Radix. He insists on sitting in the sun for a short talk whilst he is finding a place for his bike. As a master student Animal Sciences he focuses on animal breeding and genetics.
What are you doing on campus?
‘I’m working on my MSc thesis on predicting the level of phosphorus in cow milk. Farmers can estimate how much extra phosphorus should be supplied in the food supply for the cow, by predicting the concentration of phosphorus in the milk of individual cows. This reduces the amount of the element in the manure excreted by the animal and ultimately the level of phosphorus pollution in soils and water bodies. I plan to finish my thesis in December.’
Do you like working on campus during the summer holidays?
‘It’s quite lonely, but I like it because there is little distraction. During the college year there are so many activities, parties and friends I want to visit, leaving less time for me to work and rest. Now I can work more efficiently until 7pm, then I go to bed early and work again the next day. And before it gets boring, the holidays will be over.
What do you think of the climate?
‘The cold winters here are a challenge, but circumstances are nice when the weather is mild. It can also be uncomfortably warm here, like it was a couple of weeks ago. I am used to warm weathers in Nigeria, but a big difference is that in Nigeria we use air conditioners when it is hot.’
What about going on holiday?
‘I just started my research in May, because I was ill for a while. Now is my time to work. I don’t miss home that much, because I am busy and there are so many possibilities to communicate with my family and friends.
Where would a journey take you to if you could go on holiday for free?
‘If I could afford it, I would go to Australia or New Zeeland. I’ve been dreaming of going there since my childhood, so that would be a dream come true.’