At IHS, we believe in the power of education and its impact on building more sustainable, inclusive cities. Through various scholarship programmes, dedicated students from around the world have had the opportunity to pursue their passion for urban development at IHS. In this series, we highlight the journeys of the scholarship awardees, and in this interview, we introduce you to Mohammed Kamil Iddrisu from Ghana.
Ghana’s significant growth and rapid urbanisation over the past 25 years have motivated Kamil to pursue a career in urban development. When he noticed the critical need to promote equitable service delivery and all-inclusive urban growth, his determination to gain and apply urban knowledge grew. The swift urban expansion in Ghana underlined the need to assess the urban policies, services, and infrastructure in place. As a development planner, Kamil chose to acquire the required skills and knowledge from IHS through the Strategic Urban Planning & Policies Master track.
Kamil’s journey in Development Planning
Mohammed Kamil Iddrisu is a Senior Development Planning Officer with vast experience in local government planning and development. His career began in 2012 as an Assistant Development Planning Officer at the Yendi Municipal Assembly, where he quickly made a positive impact. He then advanced to District Development Planning Officer, taking on key roles in leadership, coordination, and monitoring. Kamil holds a bachelor's in Integrated Development Studies and a master's degree in Development Policy and Planning, both from Ghanaian universities. Last year, Kamil joined the IHS cohort as one of the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJWBGSP) awardees.
Learning in a multicultural environment
One of the most rewarding aspects of Kamil's study abroad experience has been learning in a multicultural and diverse setting at IHS, providing him with new experiences and skills to fill his academic and professional capacity gaps. Moreover, learning from colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds has broadened Kamil's understanding and approach to global urban development challenges and solutions, which can be applied in the Ghanaian context. Adopting the new learning environment at IHS has ultimately enriched Kamil’s academic journey, fostering resilience and adaptability, which are valuable skills in the dynamic field of urban development.
Working towards change in the Ghanaian context
According to Kamil, IHS has offered him a comprehensive understanding and advanced expertise in urban development. His Master's track, Strategic Urban Planning and Policies, has deepened his knowledge of urban planning and policy research, enhancing his capabilities as a mid-career professional in Ghana's local governance. Kamil mentions the importance of integrating innovative urban solutions to enhance sustainable growth, which is one of the main takeaways from his study.
"I plan to leverage the education and insights I gained to assist Ghana in developing and implementing strategies that can improve the quality of life in Ghanaian cities."
Mohammed Kamil Iddrisu
Unlocking new opportunities
Kamil highly recommends that students passionate about achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) apply for the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJWBGSP) scholarship to study at their dream universities. While the application process is rigorous, it is undoubtedly attainable if the proper eligibility procedures and documentation are followed. This should give students hope and motivation as they embark on this journey.
"I encourage prospective applicants to start early, pay close attention to the details, and meticulously follow the guidelines provided", says Kamil, adding that these steps enhance students' chances of successfully securing the JJWBGSP scholarship.
