The KDI School of Public Policy and Management has admitted 20 African students for its 2026 Spring Semester, drawing participants from countries across East, West and Southern Africa.
The scholars, supported by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and other competitive funding streams, were formally received at a ceremony held at Lincoln Hall under the auspices of the African Development Forum (ADF).
The new intake follows a strong showing by African students, including Nigerians, at the school’s 2025 commencement ceremony last December.
Among the standout graduates was Stephen Ifeoluwa Ojegbola from Oyo State, who earned the Academic Excellence Achievement Award in Intellectual Property and Development Policy. Nander Esmeralda Ndam from Plateau State, a Master’s graduate in the same programme, also received recognition for Student Community Service.
Speaking at the reception, Advising Professor of the ADF, Dongil Lee, said the admission reflects Korea’s continued commitment to building global development leadership through academic exchange and capacity development.
“As you begin your time here, I hope you will come to see KDI School as a place that encourages intellectual growth, collaboration and engagement with global development issues,” Lee said.
He explained that the African Development Forum provides a platform for strengthening bonds among African students while fostering engagement with faculty members whose research centres on development policy and governance.
The incoming students come from diverse professional and public policy backgrounds, underscoring Korea’s emphasis on knowledge-sharing partnerships with developing regions.
Lee added that the selection process demonstrates deepening cooperation between Korea and African countries in governance, development planning, technology and intellectual property systems.
In his remarks, ADF President Osman Sumaila described the reception as more than a formal welcome.
“Today is not just about joining an association but a mission. ADF is a platform for ideas, action and leadership for Africa’s development. By being here, you have chosen not to be spectators of Africa’s challenges but part of the solution,” he said.
He stressed that Africa’s development hinges on a generation that is bold, disciplined and committed to transformational change.
For returning students, the arrival of the new cohort marks another phase in strengthening Africa’s presence within global policy education. A Ghanaian PhD candidate in Public Policy, Francis Kwabena Adjei, advised the newcomers to build networks and seek support when faced with academic or social challenges.
“They should relax and make the best of the environment. If they have challenges with assignments or settling in, they shouldn’t struggle alone. A problem shared is a problem half-solved,” he said.
Also speaking, Mary Ngenyi from Kenya, newly admitted into the Master’s in Development Policy programme, expressed optimism about the academic journey ahead, noting that the African student community had already eased her transition.
The students are expected to participate actively in research, policy dialogue and community engagement throughout their stay at the institution.
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