Renowned climate scientist and environmental consultant, Prof. Jimmy Adegoke, has highlighted the vital role that Nigerians in the diaspora can play in addressing the country’s developmental challenges.
Speaking at a media event following a send-off dinner organized in his honor by diaspora scholars and associates in Lagos, Prof. Adegoke emphasized that the global exposure and extensive networks of Nigerians abroad position them uniquely to contribute to Nigeria’s growth.
Recently retired from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) after nearly 25 years, where he served as a tenured professor and academic leader, Prof. Adegoke also chaired the Department of Geosciences from 2008 to 2010 and directed the University’s Centre for Applied Environmental Research (CAER). His expertise is now focused on climate change and green growth as an advisor and senior consultant with the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Prof. Adegoke believes that diasporans can help foster international partnerships, offer fresh perspectives on policy-making, and attract investments. He noted that many returning Nigerians are eager to contribute to their homeland’s development, driven by patriotism and a commitment to national progress.
The award-winning scientist, whose work spans climate science, policy, environmental governance, and capacity building, has received funding from NASA, the US National Science Foundation (NSF), and the AfDB. He also served as interim Executive Director/CEO of the West African Science Service Center for Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) in 2017 and was previously the Executive Director of the CSIR Natural Resources & Environment Division in Pretoria, South Africa.
In 2014, Prof. Adegoke chaired the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Agricultural Resilience in Nigeria (ACARN), which developed a national program for climate adaptation and agricultural resilience. He continues to contribute to international science advisory boards and committees while maintaining his permanent residence in Kansas City, where he was appointed to the Environmental Management Commission by the Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.
In 2021, he was honored as one of the “110 Most Powerful ABU Alumni” by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria.
