The opportunity to study at KDI School is life-changing for many students who go on to enjoy successful careers in the private and public sectors. In contrast, others desire to contribute original work to development practice, so they go on to pursue their PhDs at prestigious institutions. Such is the case with Abdul-Wahab Junior, a 2017 MPP graduate of KDI School. Abdul-Wahab’s story is unique in that he decided to come back to KDI School to fulfill his long-held desire to develop the capacity to advise on policies that will improve socio-economic development for the masses.

Upon leaving KDI School in 2018, Abdul-Wahab worked as a Principal Research Assistant at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana, where he worked on several projects in collaboration with international organizations like the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA). At the institute, his work involved crucial economic analysis that informs policies for development. Abdul-Wahab credits his time at the institute for the motivation to go on to PhD studies.

Evidently, quite a bit has changed since Abdul-Wahab studied here at KDI School in 2017-18. He notes that there are now big shops and department stores within walking distance or just a bus ride away from KDI School. Even though the atmosphere at the campus is different these days due to the necessary guidelines to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, Abdul-Wahab has been impressed by KDI School’s proactiveness in ensuring students feel as minimally inconvenienced as possible.

While KDI School opened the doors for enhanced employment opportunities back in Ghana, his current research interest is intra-household bargaining power and early childhood development. He is particularly interested in how a mother’s influence in household decisions affects child development outcomes. After completing his PhD at KDI School, Abdul-Wahab hopes to use his knowledge and skills to develop cost-effective strategies for poverty alleviation.

When asked if he had any advice for prospective KDI School students, Wahab said:

"I would absolutely recommend KDIS to anyone considering a career in policy or research. Not only will you be trained by top-notch experts and academics, but you will be part of an unmatched culturally and intellectually diversified student body where you can share and discuss ideas and experiences. My own experience has given me a unique understanding of the world of policy and research and allowed me to build on and improve skills that will undoubtedly benefit me in my professional and academic career.”