Temitope Onifade
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I originally thought I’d pursue a grad degree to nurture my interest in research, teaching and volunteerism, which were things I did at a modest level as an undergrad LLB student. Later practicing as a lawyer brought more exposure, so I learned about environmental sustainability. I decided to explore it through a general LLM in Nigeria, and then came to Canada for specialized MA in Environmental Policy and LLM in Energy and Environment to learn more about the broader context of environmental problems. Fortunately, I got a job as a lecturer, but then immediately started thinking about tenure-track professor opportunities. I applied to the PhD for that reason but, after finishing my first year, started seeing the doctoral training as more than just a route to a tenure-track position. I now see it as an opportunity to really think about things and build something (e.g. meaningful academic and community projects) to solve wicked problems. Therefore, I can say I am in the PhD to think and build.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
Simple: I have the best fit at UBC. First, my supervisor, Dr Stepan Wood, is a leading Canadian scholar and one of the leading international figures in my area. He is the Canada Research Chair in Law, Society and Sustainability (Tier 1), and leads the Transnational Regulatory Governance Interactions Project, which involves more than 30 researchers from nine countries, representing 23 institutions. He is undoubtedly the best mentor I could get here. Second, UBC has remarkable strengths in environmental studies, as Canada's top university in the area. My substance field is environmental studies, so I learn and contribute across academic units. For instance, I am a scholar of the Liu Institute for Global Issues and have the privilege of working with Dr George Hoberg, a leading environmental policy scholar at the institute, on my supervisory committee. Third, UBC gave me the most competitive funding, the International Doctoral Fellowship, when I was deciding where to go. When UBC later graciously nominated me for other reputable federal awards, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and the SSHRC doctoral awards, I concluded I was in the right place, even if I did not win! With these three considerations, UBC is undoubtedly the best place for me. There were other considerations such as the opportunity to live in Vancouver and the need to stay in Canada to satisfy permanent residence requirements, but they were not as compelling.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
My programme at the Allard Law School has strengths in the study of law and society, which is my broad theory field. Almost every faculty member is pushing the edge of this broad field. Also, my narrow theory field is regulation and governance, so I am in my programme to learn from the leaders in the field, particularly my supervisor, Dr Stepan Wood, and my supervisory committee member, Dr Cristie Ford.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The beauty of the campus! The campus is located around a major park and has beaches and other breathtaking scenery. We also have lovely indigenous artwork and history all around. Going to campus is so inspiring.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I am looking forward to my field work and the actual writing of my dissertation.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
My biggest career challenge will likely arise from taking on too much. I have so many interests and want to do too many things, but I find ways to caution myself.
My programme has allowed me to multitask, so this helps to manage multiple responsibilities. I am grateful to my supervisor and committee members for giving me the conducive environment to combine my doctoral responsibilities with voluntary work. I co-founded and currently serve as Co-Chair of the Liu Institute Network for Africa at UBC, and I am a Senator on the UBC Vancouver Senate, the Project Director for “Community Sustainability Global,” and member of the “African Vibes” show on Vancouver Coop Radio. I also serve on some editorial boards and the boards of directors of some NGOs. I hope to build on this rich experience to manage diverse career responsibilities.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My law and policy training, community project management, private legal practice, government policy work and academic involvement (especially research, supervision of student projects and refereeing) prepared me in various ways for my PhD.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I dance every day, play music at church, feature on radio shows, ride my bike, play table tennis, go to the beach and see movies and shows. I hope the list grows!
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
My top piece of advice is to stay healthy and have work-life balance. Fortunately, Vancouver is a great city to do so.
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Learn more about Temitope's research
My research looks at the main role law plays in low-carbon transition, its limitations and how society can help law. Many countries use or plan to use law to regulate low-carbon transition: the idea is to deploy laws to steer how stakeholders and individuals advance low-carbon goals, mechanisms and actors in international and domestic climate regimes. However, there are issues about how law is effective in social transformation, so law faces limitations in low-carbon transition. Experience in the UK, the US, Spain, Canada and many other countries has shown us how difficult it is for new low-carbon laws to regulate economies already dominated by systems that favour entrenched oil, gas and mineral interests, and even some low-carbon proponents oppose low-carbon laws that limit profit. To address these limitations, I believe that society can help law. My research asks how. The research is important for at least two key reasons. First, it will examine the fairly new body of low-carbon laws in Canada, the challenges of these laws and how to address some of them, while identifying lessons for other countries and the international level. Second, it will tell us how people can regulate low-carbon economies as part of civil society. Given these reasons, it will make us understand how law functions in society and the potential of society in regulation. The research will be useful for individuals and groups that may be feeling helpless in the fight against climate change. They could get ideas on how to have an impact. It will also be useful to several stakeholders: policy makers and organized civil society groups, legislators, lawyers, judges and researchers. For policy makers and civil society groups, it will guide their design and redesign of suitable mechanisms for low-carbon transition; for legislators, it will aid their design and amendment of low-carbon laws; and for lawyers, judges and researchers, it will help them interpret and evaluate low-carbon regulation. The research will lead to a dissertation, several academic and non-academic (policy and community) presentations, academic and non-academic articles, and a book. The dissertation is the primary output, and I am already presenting some of my findings at suitable academic, policy and community venues. I will also publish at least four articles: one reviewing the existing works on how to regulate low-carbon economies; another examining low-carbon laws and issues in Canada; yet another discussing how society regulates low-carbon transition through emerging governance mechanisms of civil society; and the final on how to combine law and civic governance in low-carbon regulation. I will do further work to turn the research into a book on low-carbon regulation and governance.