Educational Foundation
Damilola Oyewale holds a master’s degree in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph, complemented by a strong background in Agricultural Administration. His academic journey has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of rural and agricultural issues, which he applies in his professional work. Damilola’s recent thesis explores housing, welfare, and social integration for International Agricultural Workers in Ontario. In addition to his academic achievements, he actively contributes to the President’s Advisory Committee on Anti-Racism at the University of Guelph, showcasing his commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable practices in his field.
Navigating the Path with Proactive Learning
Reflecting on his journey so far, Damilola acknowledges that he would have benefited from recognizing earlier the value of proactive learning. He emphasizes that immersing oneself in additional reading—such as case studies, precedents, and future planning initiatives—can provide a significant advantage in work settings by building a solid knowledge base. He notes that during his university years, he focused solely on mandatory texts and later continued this habit in the workplace, only engaging with materials deemed “essential” to his tasks. It was only when he expanded his reading and knowledge beyond the basics that he began to see more opportunities and successes.
A Transformative Field
Damilola is particularly excited about the transformative power of education and research in the field of urban planning. “What excites me most about planning is the immediate and transformative impact that education and research can have on real-world practice,” he shares. The interdisciplinary nature of planning, he explains, allows knowledge gained from rigorous study and analysis to quickly influence how communities develop sustainable solutions to complex challenges. This direct connection between planning theory and tangible outcomes in the field is what he finds most impressive.
A Project Close to the Heart
Currently, at the University of Guelph, Damilola is working with a research team on the International Agricultural Workers Housing project. This initiative aims to improve living conditions for agricultural workers in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The project emphasizes creating a supportive and inclusive environment, highlighting the essential role these workers play in the agricultural sector.
