When Oluwatobi "Tobi" Oshikoya steps onto the track, his focus and determination are unmistakable. A standout in the long jump, high jump, and triple jump, the accomplished Dal Engineering student-athlete has mastered it all.
However, when he completes his chemical engineering studies this spring, he鈥檒l be remembered for more than just his academic achievements. As captain of Dal鈥檚 Men鈥檚 Varsity Track and Field team, Oluwatobi鈥檚 positive energy, inspirational pet talks and camaraderie have led to countless victories.
鈥淚鈥檓 not a very outspoken person, but depending on the situation, I can step into that role,鈥� says the Nigerian-born athlete. 鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely caused some growth for me because I know how to be a leader now. I鈥檝e seen the effects of being more vocal and the presence that I have on the younger athletes.鈥�
As captain,听Oluwatobi has honed the ability to guide and motivate others, ensuring that each team member feels supported, confident and ready to perform.
鈥淭hat energy spreads and you can feel it in competitions,鈥� he adds. 鈥淚n turn, it also builds confidence in me, creating a cycle where we all feed off each other鈥檚 energy.鈥�
From mentee to mentor 听
听
Throughout his academic journey,听Oluwatobi has carried that same energy beyond the track.听Despite a chaotic schedule filled with competitions, training, and coursework, he still finds time to inspire the next generation of engineering leaders, mentoring young students through . The organization encourages Black youth to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
鈥淚 started as a mentor for the program in my third year of engineering. After two years, I transitioned into the role of program coordinator, where I鈥檝e been able to take on more responsibility and contribute to shaping the program,鈥� he says.
Programs such as ILA鈥檚 FIRST LEGO League competition, a dynamic and immersive event designed to engaged young students in STEM through the world of robotics. It was a program Oluwatobi was first introduced to in junior high after moving to Canada from Ireland. While ILA helped him connect with the African Nova Scotian community, it also introduced him to coding and robotics, fields he had never explored before. Despite his love for math, science, and physics, this experience opened his eyes to an entirely new world of innovation and problem-solving.
Applying new leadership skills
听
Now, as a mentor with ILA,听Oluwatobi strives to create the same positive and engaging environment for young students, applying the same leadership skills he brings to the track.
鈥淲hen it鈥檚 time to have fun, we do. But when we鈥檙e working toward a competition, we鈥檙e focused, vocal, and giving clear instructions. They follow immediately because they know it鈥檚 time to get down to business.鈥�
鈥淭hey look up to us,鈥� he continues, emphasizing that one of the most valuable lessons he shares with younger students is to 鈥渆njoy the process.鈥� As听Oluwatobi approaches the end of his undergraduate journey, this advice carries even deeper meaning for him.
鈥淚鈥檓 in my final year of eligibility for track and field now, and I鈥檓 looking at the calendar and thinking, 鈥極h, the season鈥檚 practically over,鈥欌�� he explains. 鈥淏ut the jokes I shared with my teammates, the hard workouts, the great workouts, the good practices, the terrible practices, the assignments I did, the late nights spent trying to complete a project, the great marks, the bad marks 鈥� that鈥檚 essentially what shapes your character and drives your development and growth. So you should really just enjoy each step of that and always put your best foot forward.鈥�
What's next
听
Oluwatobi听hints that his time at Dal Engineering may not be over just yet, as he awaits news on a potential master's program with Dal Chemical Engineering Researcher, Dr. Alison Scott.
鈥淚f I get accepted into my Master's at Dal, I could still like be involved in that environment (track and field) and even in an assistant role helping the coach,鈥� he says. "I also hope to continue my involvement with programs like Imhotep鈥檚 Legacy Academy or similar initiatives that support the growth and development of youth of African heritage in underrepresented fields, especially STEM."