KDI School has awarded four outstanding students for their exceptional academic performance. The awardees come from different professional backgrounds, academic majors, and countries, but they all shared a common story of effort, discipline, and resilience. In an interview reflecting on their achievement, they spoke openly about what shaped their success, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they hope others can learn.

Alieu Ceesay from The Gambia described the award as a milestone in his journey toward advancing his expertise in data-driven policymaking. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Data Science for Public Policy, he explained that his decision to enroll at KDIS came from his daily work with education and labor market data at the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority.

“I work with student enrollment and graduation data and conduct labor market studies,” he said. “I knew that to inform policy decisions better, I needed to go beyond traditional methods and learn advanced tools like machine learning and text analysis.”

Alieu shared that his time at KDIS has been “phenomenal,” especially because of the friendships he formed—friends who even voted him “study warrior.” Machine learning, he recalled, was the most demanding course he faced. “I had to study extra hard with my friends, and we stayed long hours, but it was worth it,” he said. To students hoping to excel, he offered simple encouragement: “Make learning fun. Don’t see it as a burden—and when you enjoy it, it becomes easier.”

From Nigeria, Stephen Ojegbola brought a different academic focus into the conversation. A trained lawyer specializing in intellectual property and development policy, he chose KDIS because it is one of the few institutions globally offering a joint program in partnership with WIPO – the KDI School Master in Intellectual Property & Development Policy. “This major connects intellectual property to development policy,” he said, “and that was exactly what I was looking for.”

Stephen’s most difficult academic moment came when he challenged himself by adding Python as a second concentration. “It was harder than expected,” he admitted, “but with determination and the help of a team member, I was able to scale through.” Reflecting on what success meant in his journey, he offered a reminder that academic performance is connected to personal clarity: “Define what success means to you and marshal your energy toward it. Aim high. Aim true.”

Also celebrated was Alinafe Catherine Yoyola from Malawi, who previously worked in microfinance before joining the Master of Development Policy program. For her, KDIS provided the balance between theory and practical problem-solving she was looking for. “KDIS has strong academic foundations, but it also focuses on real policy design and implementation,” she said. Led by diverse faculty and multicultural classmates, she described her learning experience as “challenging but deeply rewarding.”

Financial Statement Analysis and Valuation was her toughest course, mainly because her accounting background was only basic. She overcame this by pairing up with a course mate and using online materials to reinforce concepts. “Working with someone else made the material easier to understand,” she said. When asked for advice, she emphasized preparedness: “Plan your week carefully and review your notes before the next class. It prevents pressure from building up and allows you to understand lessons much better.”

The fourth awardee, Mustapha B. Colley, Corporate Planning Manager of The Gambia Transport Service Company, completed his Master’s in Public Policy this semester. With nearly a decade of experience in mobility planning and public transport operations, he joined KDIS to strengthen the policy dimension of his work. “Public policy gives you the tools to analyze challenges, evaluate their impact, and design solutions grounded in evidence,” he said.

Courses such as Environmental Economics and Urban Transportation Policy were the most technical for him, requiring additional reading and consultation. “I had to supplement classroom learning with research and academic papers,” he recalled. For him, academic success was rooted in showing up consistently. “Do not wait until deadlines. Engage in class discussions, speak to professors, and learn from your classmates,” he said.

While they celebrated their individual achievements, all four students connected their academic journey to larger goals like improving public sector systems, advancing policy reforms, and strengthening skills for national development.

Mustapha emphasized that he hopes to apply what he learned directly to transport sector reforms back home. “The analytical and policy evaluation tools I gained will guide how I plan and improve public transport systems in The Gambia,” he said.

Across different majors and experiences, one theme stood out: the belief that academic success is not an accident, but the product of intention, planning, discipline, and support. Group study sessions, late-night reviews, helpful classmates, online resources, and supportive faculty featured in each of their stories.

As the new semester approaches, their reflections stand as reminders to fellow students that while KDIS offers a demanding academic environment, it is also a place where hard work pays off, friendships turn into support systems, and knowledge becomes a tool for impact beyond the classroom.