FUNAAB Alumnus Wins 2026 Global Conservation Leadership Award

A 2016 alumnus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Mr. Samuel Bamidele, has won the 2026 Emerging Leader Alumni Award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), USA, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to conservation leadership, science and professional service.

Mr. Bamidele, who holds a Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric.) Degree in Soil Science and Land Management from FUNAAB in 2017, later earned a Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Plant and Soil Sciences in 2024 from the University of Delaware in the United States.

The prestigious award recognises alumni of the SWCS Emerging Leaders Programme who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to conservation leadership and continued engagement with the Society’s mission.

Mr. Bamidele has distinguished himself through active service on the SWCS Awards and Scholarships Committee, contributing to the assessment of award and scholarship applications and participating in activities aimed at promoting excellence within the conservation profession.

He has also served on the SWCS Annual Conference Programme Planning Committee, supporting the organisation of the Society’s annual conference and collaborating with local partners. Additionally, he has served as an abstract reviewer for conference poster presentations, evaluating research submissions that focus on conservation models, innovative tools, and emerging technologies.

Professionally, Mr Bamidele serves as a Project Soil Scientist and Field Coordinator with an environmental consulting company in the United States. In this capacity, he applies his expertise in Soil Science to Land Management, soil health, conservation and the sustainable utilisation of natural resources.

His achievements reflect the strong academic foundation acquired at FUNAAB and his subsequent advanced training and professional experience in the United States.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Mr. Bamidele described the award as a privilege and a source of inspiration, reaffirming his commitment to advancing conservation science, promoting sustainable land management and contributing to environmental stewardship through professional service and leadership.

The recognition further highlights the growing global impact of FUNAAB graduates in advancing sustainable development and addressing environmental challenges.

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu