Why do students choose the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Environmental Policy and Economics (M3EP)? What makes this joint programme stand out — and what are the hopes and motivations of those embarking on this journey?
In this testimonial, Abubakar Sani Yahaya, a newly admitted M3EP student from Nigeria, shares his perspective as he begins the first year of his studies at the University of Copenhagen, before continuing to Heidelberg University in the second year.
What motivated you to apply for the programme?
Coming from the Northwest region of Nigeria, which is engulfed in climate-induced conflict, I have seen how environmental degradation, from desertification to plastic pollution and unregulated exploration of natural resources, threatens livelihoods. This experience, together with my professional interest in working as a stakeholder in the fields of environmental governance and sustainability economics, prompted me to apply for the M3EP programme. Being a novel programme, M3EP offers a distinctive strategy for addressing environmental challenges around the world, utilising creative solutions that strike a balance between social justice, economic stability, and ecological preservation. I am confident that M3EP is the right programme to equip me with environmental knowledge through political, economic, social, and policy dimensions, since I hope to help implement sustainable solutions to environmental challenges both in my home country and on a global stage.
What are your expectations?
I expect the M3EP programme to prepare me for significant employment opportunities at international organisations such as the EEA, EEB, and UNEP, as well as future PhD studies in Environmental Governance. I also hope to grow into a skilled environmental policy analyst and economist. I hope to gain strong analytical skills in assessing policy trade-offs and constructing adaptive economic frameworks through the programme’s focus on environmental economics and policy at the University of Copenhagen. However, my second-year specialty at Heidelberg University, Comparative Environmental Policy, will allow me to identify and analyse global environmental concerns and propose solutions, particularly in the areas of plastic pollution, green energy, and natural resources conflict. I like to be a part of an inclusive academic community where I can learn and contribute my perspectives while also meeting and exploring new cultures and people. Thanks to M3EP for providing me with a brother, Sebastianas Uribe, with whom I have already become acquainted to begin a project called "Student Summer Series (SSS)" – an educational online platform that we hope will benefit students from around the world and allow them to reflect, write, and share their perspectives on the world, nature, and the environment.
What do you find unique about the M3EP programme?
Aside from being an Erasmus Mundus programme, M3EP has a distinct strength in its seamless integration of economic and policy perspectives on environmental issues. Unlike programmes that only focus on one area, M3EP enables me to grasp environmental concerns through economic analysis and policy frameworks. The programme's mobility across two universities is of particular importance. Having fundamental knowledge in Copenhagen and then specialising in Heidelberg creates a holistic learning journey for me to pursue. It is worth noting that the curriculum focuses on Europe while also providing opportunity for comparative research of global environmental concerns. It offers the exact perspective required to handle today's interrelated environmental issues. M3EP's unique approach of rigorous academics, practical policy applications, and worldwide exposure positions it to develop the next generation of environmental leaders. I am overjoyed to have been accepted into the M3EP programme and awarded a full Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Many thanks!