Black History Month: Temilola Olowookere
Program: Master of Nutrition and Dietetics
February 2025 – Growing up in Nigeria, Temilola Olowookere developed a deep appreciation for how food could bring people together and mark life’s milestones.
“Food had cultural and community significance,” she says. “It celebrated births, naming ceremonies, and even commemorated deaths. For example, akara (bean fritters) is traditionally eaten for seven days to honour the passing of an elder.”
In high school she asked her teachers how she could study and work with food professionally, and was told that dietetics was one route: “Dietetics can help people see the beauty in food while understanding how it supports the body and brings joy.”
At that time, she had never met a dietitian, but she enrolled in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Afe Babalola University, in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, at age 16. After completing her bachelor’s degree Olowookere was interested in pursuing research, and moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to study at Mount Saint Vincent University. She completed an MSc in Applied Human Nutrition.
Olowookere gained valuable experience working as a research assistant and food service supervisor in healthcare settings in Nova Scotia, Alberta, and British Columbia.
She is now pursuing her goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian through UBC’s Master of Nutrition and Dietetics (MND) program and has completed two practice education placements. One was working in population health, teaching kids how to cook, and the other was working in a clinical setting, where she developed Nutrition Assessment skills.
“These experiences confirmed that I’m on the right path and truly want to work in a clinical setting,” she says.
While at Mount Saint Vincent, Olowookere was active in supporting Black students through fundraisers to increase student supports and resources, and hosting roundtables and networking events.
If she has any advice, it is to dream big – but take small steps to achieve your aspirations as they will lead to bigger steps. Also, she says African students need to know that they are just as capable as any other students at UBC.
When she’s not studying, Olowookere treasures reconnecting with her Nigerian roots through food. Her favorite dish is starchy African yam, a staple that she goes to great lengths to source in Vancouver – even waitlisting herself to buy it from a specialty grocery store in Surrey.
To read more stories celebrating Black History Month, click here.
Tagged with: Equity Diversity Inclusion and Indigeneity, Master of Nutrition and Dietetics