KEEP Scholar Impact: An International Student’s Academic Journey from KNUST to a PhD in the United States

The path from a Master of Philosophy at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to doctoral research at an American university is a testament to vision, hard work, and transformative support. For John-Davis Chukwuemeka Oyedum, a Nigerian scholar who completed his MPhil in Telecommunication Engineering in 2022 under the KEEP-Africa Centre of Excellence (ACE) scholarship, thesupport provided by KEEP was pivotal. Now pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rutgers University in the United States, his journey highlights the international reach and academic rigour fostered by the KEEP program, demonstrating how investment in regional talent cultivates global innovators.

John-Davis’s pathway to becoming a KEEP scholar began through the strong academic networks that links institutions across Africa. He learned of the scholarship through Professor Anthony Hussaini Makun, Centre Leader of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety in Nigeria, and subsequently through official KNUST channels. “The opportunity, supported by the World Bank, was highlighted as a platform for high-potential engineering researchers,” he recalls. This cross-border academic referral underscores the collaborative spirit at the heart of the ACE and KEEP initiatives.

For John-Davis, the value of the KEEP scholarship was multidimensional. “The most valuable aspect was the combination of full financial support, access to advanced academic resources, and professional development opportunities,” he states.

“This support allowed me to focus entirely on research and skill development during my MPhil, where I worked on software-defined networking and optimisation,” he explains. “The program fundamentally strengthened my research confidence, expanded my professional network, and played a key role in preparing me for the rigours of doctoral studies and international collaboration.”

John-Davis’s career path is a narrative of continuous academic ascent. After his undergraduate studies in Nigeria and industry experience, his MPhil at KNUST under KEEP served as a critical launchpad. Following his graduation in 2022, he further honed his skills through teaching and as an E-tutor at the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Today, he is a PhD student and Graduate Research Assistant at Rutgers University, USA, working within the prestigious WINLAB (Wireless Information Network Lab). His research focuses on designing resilient wireless communication systems for advanced manufacturing environments, a field with significant implications for Industry 4.0.

Reflecting on his preparation, John-Davis credits KEEP and KNUST with providing the essential toolkit for international research excellence. “The program provided a strong foundation in research methodology, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving,” he notes. “It emphasised independent research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the real-world application of theory, skills that have been absolutely critical in my doctoral studies, publications, and projects at Rutgers.”

Looking to the future, John-Davis carries a vision that spans both technological innovation and academic mentorship. “I aspire to contribute to the development of robust and intelligent wireless communication systems for industrial and emerging environments,” he shares.

His goals, however, extend beyond the lab. “Through research, teaching, and mentorship, I hope to support sustainable technological growth and nurture the next generation of engineers and researchers. My long-term goal is to bridge advanced communication technologies with practical applications that benefit society and industry globally.”