Faculty: Forestry
Program: Master of International Forestry
Year: 2017
Country: Nigeria
Bamidele is a “tireless teacher and generous with his kindness, working hard to engender a sense of pragmatic stewardship in rural peoples.” After founding an NGO in 2011, Bamidele became a state coordinator for the Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria and a regional representative of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance. Through this experience, he has developed strong communication and collaboration skills working in partnership with international nonprofits including Plant for the Planet in Germany, Viola in Russia and locally with the Walter Carrington Youth Fellowship Program of the United States Consulate in Nigeria.
In April 2016, Bamidele coordinated the Step–up Green Initiative, to inform young students across major secondary schools of the impacts of climate change and ecosmart technologies. The goal was to empower youth to be focal points of change within their schools and respective homes while setting an example of how their choices and lifestyles can make a long-term difference. This project allowed Bamidele to create a platform that brought together youth, non-profit institutions, academics and policy makers in ensuring a landmark achievement in eco-sustainable practices.
Bamidele has been building himself a career path molded by international perspectives on forestry and environment. He plans to pursue a Masters in International Forestry in order to improve his scope on international forest policies, governance and especially in the area of diplomacy and negotiation engagements.