Growing up in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, Tayo Taiwo experienced a tragic event that changed his life forever: He witnessed his uncle die in a road accident.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.19 million people die every year in traffic accidents. For Taiwo, his loss was more than a statistic: and it was the motivation for him to find a solution.
“I believe in the statement that if you want to see a change, then be part of it,” Taiwo said. “I wanted to bring innovative solutions to reduce fatalities, reduce crashes and ensure that people are not scared to use the road.”
After earning his bachelor’s at the Federal University of Technology, Minna in Nigeria, Taiwo pursued his longtime dream of studying in the U.S., applying to the community planning graduate program at the University of Maryland. It wasn’t a hard decision; the program’s reputation and location were draws, as was the chance to work with the National Center for Smart Growth.
Once on his path, Taiwo hit the ground running. In addition to securing internships at Toole Design Group and the Maryland Department of Transportation, he is an American Planning Association Foundation (APA) diversity scholarship recipient, a 2024 Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) Ken Cross Student Poster winner and serves on the provost’s Graduate Student Advisory Council.
“As program director, it is gratifying to get students like Tayo into the program, not only invested in his academics but fully engaging with what the school, the university and the metropolitan area have to offer him for a well-rounded professional formation,” said Clara Irazábal, professor and director of the urban studies and planning program.
Below, Taiwo talks about his Maryland experience, how he finds opportunities and plans after graduation:
The quotes have been condensed and edited for clarity.
How has your experience been as a graduate student? Choosing to come to the University of Maryland has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. As an international student, it wasn’t easy when I first started. The cultural shift was challenging. In Nigeria, there’s a strong sense of community and mutual support, which I initially missed here. Adjusting to a more reserved culture took time, but I eventually built meaningful connections through my involvement and participation in campus organizations and activities. Financial adjustments were also tough, but I gradually adapted and found support. The good thing is there are a lot of resources available for learning, securing scholarships, awards, internships and assistantships.
What has been your favorite class? “Planning Process” and “Planning History and Theory,” both taught by Professor Ariel Bierbaum, and “Research Design and Application” taught by Professor Marccus Hendricks. The research skills and problem-solving abilities I developed, in part through Professor Hendricks' class, were invaluable in my recent success at the APBP Student Poster Competition in August.
How have you been able to connect with so many opportunities on and off campus? More than 90% of the opportunities I have received have come from two sources: LinkedIn and becoming a member of professional organizations related to planning, such as APA, the American Public Transportation Association and APBP. I’ve made connections by volunteering through organizations like Maryland Planning Commissioner Association, Transportation Research Board and other organizations as well.
Also, I pay attention to the weekly news and opportunities that come from the school. I take time to read my emails and I don't procrastinate. I am not the kind of person who doesn’t submit an application or is afraid to be denied.
What piece of advice would you give to a prospective or current student? There are many opportunities out there, but not all of them will come to you. You need to actively search for them. Define what you want to achieve and then draft a plan.
I also have conversations with Dean Jourdan, Professor Irazábal, my mentor Nick Finio, Chester Harvey and all the faculty members, whether I have taken their courses and not. I aim to get to know them better and understand their interests, rather than simply completing their course. I often ask myself, “What will differentiate me from every other student this professor has taught?”
What are your plans after graduation? I haven’t finalized my decision. I’m equally drawn to working in the industry and pursuing a Ph.D. program, though I’m unsure which will come first. What’s certain is that I aim to excel on both paths. It’s a complex choice, but ultimately, I’m looking for an environment where I can naturally thrive and that aligns with my values and aspirations.