Qozim Adegoke is a second-year student in the Landscape Horticulture program at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont. He received a $1,000 Post-Secondary Scholarship in 2023 from the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (Foundation). The scholarships are available to full-time students entering their final year of a horticulture degree or diploma program, or any other program of benefit to the horticultural industry, at university, college or polytechnic institute.

Candidates are chosen based on their transcripts, as well as a two-paragraph essay on why they entered the horticultural industry and what they see as their future in the industry. Qozim said, “Our professors at the college keep advising us to apply for scholarships. You just never know.”

Qozim would love to gain additional certification in irrigation and golf course management before pursuing a Master’s in Project Management or Business Administration. When not in class, Qozim enjoys playing basketball, ping pong and soccer. “I love going to symphony orchestra concerts in my free time and listening to handpan melodies at home for relaxation after a long day in class or work,” Qozim said.

What early exposure did you have to landscaping and horticulture?

I had my Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture already, which gave me the idea and basic knowledge about plants in general. And my father being a real estate developer gave me an insight of the construction aspect of landscaping as he would want me to be on-site on a regular basis to supervise the on-going project.

What prompted you to pursue a career in landscape or horticulture?

After my undergraduate degree, I was thinking of going for my Master’s but I figured I really haven’t gained the optimal knowledge in agriculture, as I felt like I did not go through enough practical sessions during my days in the university. So I decided to take a program where I could have enough practical and visual understanding of what I have studied so far. This is when I did my research on the best college that offers the best practical classes for horticultural programs in Ontario. Luckily for me, I found St. Clair College and the rest was history.

What career path do you plan to take after graduation?

I have a passion for creativity. I love building projects from nothing to something; that makes me feel good. I am looking at being a certified landscape designer so I can work for one of the best landscaping companies in Ontario, growing, learning and designing award-winning projects together, but I also want to be in the hardscape crew to improve my hands-on skills. As the world is evolving to an AI industrialization, I feel like skilled trades will soon be a protected gem in the job industries because AI can’t plant your trees nor will it be able to do the hardscape jobs.

My long-term goals and vision are quite enormous; redefining the landscape construction and design of real estate development in my home country Nigeria is something I am looking forward to achieving. What is premium luxury without that outdoor lifestyle? [I’d like to take] what I have learned in the landscape industry here in Canada to other young hardworking skilled tradespeople to improve the skilled labour sector in my country, also seek investors to build the first coastal ocean golf club in Nigeria and build more projects from there.

What are the benefits of a career in the profession?

Migrating from a tropical country, I find it interesting learning about new trees and plants that thrive in this climatic region. I love how the seasons change, leaves dropping, and bringing out fresh greenery every year which is something not quite common in the tropics. Staying fit with less need to go to the gym sometimes is something I like about this profession.

How did winning a scholarship make a difference in your life?

Realizing the Foundation appreciates one's effort is something that keeps me going. It’s more like a booster to keep on striving and continuing doing what you do because someone will surely see that and appreciate you. Honestly, I felt relieved that some part of my tuition fee is being paid for and I am grateful for that.
 

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