Oluwamayowa Paul Olaoba, a master’s student in Global Sustainability and Environmental Law at the University of Ottawa, is the 2025 recipient of the Mark Bain P3 Scholarship, selected for his paper, Assessing the Challenges of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) in Renewable Energy Projects in Canada.
The $5,000 annual scholarship is named after one of Canada’s leading infrastructure and project finance lawyers and a former Chair of the Council’s board of directors. The scholarship is open to undergraduate and post-graduate students entering their final year at a Canadian university who are enrolled in business, engineering, law or other relevant discipline.
The 2025 scholarship selection committee praised his paper for its strong organization, clarity and depth of research on renewable energy P3s, as well as its relevance to Canada’s growing infrastructure needs.
Following P3 2025, CCPPP sat down with him to discuss his experience as a Mark Bain P3 Scholarship winner. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Why did you apply to the Mark Bain P3 Scholarship... and why do you think other students should apply?
I first learned about the scholarship at last year’s conference, where I met its first recipient [Karen Chan]. That inspired me to apply. It felt like an opportunity to demonstrate the research I’ve done for my master’s and my passion for infrastructure.
Winning this scholarship validates not only the quality of my writing but also my dedication to advancing P3 knowledge. Other students should apply because it’s a great way to gain visibility and connect with top leaders across the sector. Attending Canada’s Infrastructure Conference is one of the best aspects of the scholarship — you have the opportunity to meet CEOs, directors and industry experts whose insights are invaluable for developing your career.
How is the scholarship impacting your academic life?
Winning the scholarship gave me a sense of validation of the effort I’ve put into my academic work. Sharing the news with my classmates and thesis supervisor was rewarding and showed that my work is recognized beyond the classroom. It also strengthens my future PhD applications, as the award highlights my research skills.
A key benefit of the Mark Bain P3 Scholarship is a complementary ticket to attend Canada's Infrastructure Conference. How do you think coming to the conference will help shape your career?
It’s a privilege to attend because of the calibre of experts at the conference. When you tell people you’re a student, they’re often willing to share advice and insights from their careers. Those interactions open doors for mentorship and even job opportunities. Beyond networking, the conference deepened my understanding of key infrastructure issues and reinforced my goal of becoming a thought leader in this space.
Were there any sessions or conversations that stood out to you?
Yes. I was especially interested in discussions on the federal government’s infrastructure priorities and the emphasis on collaboration in P3s. The conversations highlighted how successful projects depend on aligned goals and a strong spirit of cooperation among all partners.
What advice do you have for future Mark Bain P3 scholarship recipients on how to make the most of their time at Canada's Infrastructure Conference?
Network and network well. Engage in conversations and follow up afterward. Be bold, don’t hesitate to approach anyone and show genuine curiosity. Research what’s being discussed at the conference, it’s a great conversation starter and shows that you’re paying attention. Also, remember that networking isn’t only about senior leaders. Peer connections are just as valuable — the people you meet now may one day become your collaborators.
Submission dates for the 2026-27 Mark Bain P3 Scholarship will be announced in early 2026.
