Shaibu Yahaya

Shaibu Yahaya is an economics doctoral student from Cape Coast, Ghana

Hometown: Cape Coast, Ghana

High School: Academy Cape Coast (Ghana)

Year: Expected Graduation: Fall 2026

What is your major (and/or minor), and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in economics, and I also completed an M.S. in statistics. I chose this course of study because economics has fascinated me since high school, when it was one of my elective subjects. I was drawn to how it explains the choices people make every day, and I found ideas like demand and supply especially compelling. That interest deepened during my bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Cape Coast, where I graduated as the overall best student with a 3.8/4.0 GPA. Pursuing a Ph.D. in economics was a natural continuation of studying what I genuinely enjoy.

Tell us about the research you are conducting at NIU: what it involves, why it interests you and who has been important to your success along the way.
My research at NIU examines why similar economic shocks can produce very different outcomes across economies. In my dissertation, I show that the effects of policies and shocks depend not only on their size, but also on the underlying structure of the economy. This means that reforms designed to stimulate growth need to account for how sectors are organized and interconnected. For example, tax incentives targeted at specific sectors may have limited impact if those sectors are not central to broader economic activity, and resource windfalls may require complementary policies to avoid structural imbalances. This work interests me because it helps explain real-world policy outcomes that standard models often struggle to capture. It also has clear implications for designing more effective and context-specific economic policies. Throughout this journey, I have benefited greatly from the guidance and support of my advisors and faculty at NIU, whose mentorship has been central to my development as a researcher.

How has conducting research strengthened your experience at NIU, and how do you expect it to help you in the future?
Conducting research has been central to my experience at NIU. It has strengthened my ability to think critically, apply advanced quantitative methods and translate complex economic questions into rigorous empirical analysis. It has also helped me develop independence and persistence in tackling challenging problems. I expect these skills to be valuable in my future career, whether in academia or applied policy work, where careful analysis and evidence-based decision-making are essential.

What has genuinely surprised you about your experience at NIU?
I have been pleasantly surprised by the level of support available to students at NIU. Beyond academics, resources like the Huskie Food Pantry and Huskie Closet, where I have volunteered, reflect a strong commitment to student well-being and community.

Are you involved in student organizations, mentoring programs or extracurricular activities? If so, which ones, and how have they shaped your experience as a Huskie?
I serve as president of the Association of Graduate Economics Students (AGES). In this role, I have worked with my executive team to organize academic talks, research presentations and faculty career sessions, while also managing key responsibilities such as funding requests, organization re-registration and elections. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, teamwork and organizational skills, and have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the graduate student community at NIU.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel supported and successful, and how?
Several NIU resources have played an important role in my success. The Department of Economics has provided strong academic guidance and mentorship, while the library has supported my research needs, and the student center has offered a welcoming space for engagement and community.

Who has been a favorite instructor or professor, and what did they teach? What made them memorable?
My dissertation advisor has been my most impactful instructor. He taught Advanced Macroeconomics (ECON 661), a course I now serve as a teaching assistant for. What makes him especially memorable is the consistent guidance and support he has provided throughout my research, helping me develop both as a scholar and instructor.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community, and why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the economics teaching assistants office. It is where I spent most of my time studying while preparing for my comprehensive exams, and it became a place of focus, discipline and persistence during a very important stage of my academic journey.

How has NIU helped you find your community or your sense of belonging here?
NIU has helped me find a strong sense of community through its diverse and welcoming environment. Being part of a campus with many international students, especially fellow Ghanaians and Africans, has made it easier to connect, share experiences and feel a sense of belonging.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it has equipped me with the skills to think critically, analyze complex issues and conduct rigorous research. As a graduate student, it has prepared me to approach economic problems systematically and develop evidence-based solutions.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges right now?
I always encourage students to choose a university where they can grow academically and also feel at home. From my experience as a study abroad content creator with ShaiGuides, I often recommend NIU because of the funding opportunities available for international students and the welcoming, inclusive environment. Being in a place where you feel supported while pursuing your goals truly makes a difference in your overall experience.

How do you manage your responsibilities like school, work, family and everything else while still making the most of your time at NIU?
I try to stay on top of everything by keeping a consistent routine and staying organized. I use a to-do app to track deadlines and plan my tasks, which helps me manage my school and other responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. I also make sure to exercise regularly because it keeps my energy up and helps me stay focused. Overall, it’s about being intentional with my time so I can balance everything and still make the most of my experience at NIU.

What led you to pursue graduate education, and why did you choose NIU for that next step?
I chose to pursue graduate education because I wanted to deepen my understanding of economics and develop strong research skills to address real-world issues. I chose NIU because it offered a strong program along with funding support, making it both a great academic fit and a practical choice for me as an international student.

How has your graduate program connected you to research opportunities, professional networks or career advancement?
My graduate program has connected me to meaningful research opportunities through my dissertation and coursework and has given me the chance to present my work and engage with faculty and peers. One highlight was being named runner-up at the 2024 Illinois Economic Association Ph.D. Student Paper Competition. These experiences have helped me build a strong professional network and develop the skills needed for both academic and applied career paths.

What has your relationship with faculty and fellow graduate students been like, and how has it shaped your experience?
My relationships with faculty and fellow graduate students have been very supportive and collaborative. Faculty have provided guidance and mentorship throughout my research, while my peers have created a strong sense of community through shared learning and collaboration. Together, they have made my experience at NIU both enriching and motivating.

What would you tell an undergraduate student who is considering graduate school?
I would encourage them to pursue graduate school if they are genuinely curious and enjoy learning at a deeper level. It requires commitment and discipline, but it is also very rewarding. I would also advise them to choose a program that offers strong mentorship and support, as that can make a big difference in their overall experience and success.

What has it meant to be the first in your family to attend college, and what has NIU done to support you along the way?
Being the first in my family to attend college has been very meaningful to me. It has motivated not only me but also my siblings, showing them what is possible. NIU has supported me in a significant way by providing funding, which has allowed me to focus on my studies without placing a financial burden on my family. It has also shown me that with hard work and dedication, students can access opportunities that make higher education more attainable.

What scholarships or financial support have you received at NIU?
I have been fortunate to receive a graduate assistantship throughout my five years at NIU. It has covered my tuition and provided financial support for my living expenses, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and research.

Did the availability of scholarships or financial aid factor into your decision to choose NIU? If so, how?
Yes, it was a major factor in my decision. As an international student, the cost of studying in the U.S. is quite high, and it would not have been possible for me without financial support. Knowing that NIU offered funding made the opportunity both realistic and accessible for me.

How has that financial support shaped your ability to pursue your education and make the most of your time here?
The financial support has allowed me to focus fully on my studies and research without constantly worrying about expenses. It gave me the freedom to take advantage of opportunities, stay engaged on campus and truly make the most of my time at NIU.