Climate Scientist Urges Tinubu to Leverage Diaspora Expertise for National Development
Renowned climate scientist Prof. Jimmy Adegoke has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to harness the expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora to address the country’s development challenges.
Speaking at a media chat during a send-off dinner hosted in his honor by diaspora scholars and associates in Lagos, Adegoke emphasized the importance of collaborating with Nigerian professionals abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Adegoke, who recently retired from the University of Missouri-Kansas City after 25 years as a faculty member and academic leader, highlighted the global exposure and networks that diaspora professionals bring. He noted that their involvement could foster international partnerships, attract investments, and offer fresh perspectives on policy-making.
“Many Nigerians abroad are eager to return and contribute to the country’s growth, driven by a sense of patriotism,” Adegoke said. He emphasized that by tapping into their expertise, Nigeria could enhance governance, boost economic growth, and improve its international reputation.
Adegoke, who serves as an advisor and senior consultant on climate change and green growth with the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, has a distinguished career spanning climate policy, environmental governance, and capacity building. His research has been funded by leading global institutions, including NASA and the U.S. National Science Foundation.
The professor has held various leadership roles, including interim CEO of the West African Science Service Center for Climate Change and Adapted Land Use, and Executive Director of the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research in South Africa. In 2014, he chaired Nigeria’s Ministerial Advisory Committee on Agricultural Resilience, developing a national climate adaptation program.
Adegoke continues to serve on several international advisory boards and holds numerous accolades, including his induction into the Ahmadu Bello University Hall of Fame as one of the “110 Most Powerful ABU Alumni.”
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