Professor Issah Ibrahim: From Kumasi to the U.S., Empowering the Next Generation Through Engineering and Education
Professor Issah Ibrahim, a Ghanaian academic based in Michigan, USA, is currently a professor of Electrical Engineering at Saginaw Valley State University. Speaking on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami, he shared his journey from Ghana to Canada, and eventually to the United States, highlighting both the struggles and triumphs of living abroad.
“I left Ghana about 18 years ago,” he said. “I spent nearly 14 to 15 years in Canada before moving to the U.S., where I’ve lived for the past four years.”
Born and raised in Santasi, Kumasi, Prof. Ibrahim attended secondary school at Mfantsipim and later studied Electrical Engineering at KNUST, graduating in 2007. In 2008, he traveled abroad to further his education. He first studied at the University of Windsor in Canada before pursuing his PhD at McGill University in Montreal, where he graduated in 2020.
“I always dreamed of becoming a professor, and I was fortunate to achieve that dream,” he noted.
Before joining Saginaw Valley State University, he taught at Penn State University.
“Penn State was huge and competitive, especially for a new professor. I needed an environment where I could grow and make an impact, so I moved to Saginaw Valley, which has everything I need to succeed.”
Prof. Ibrahim proudly recalls his humble beginnings.
“My mother used to sell porridge at the Santasi station. I played football as a child, but I was also very good academically.” He emphasized that his entire education abroad was funded by scholarships. “I didn’t pay a dime for school. Even during my PhD, I worked as a teaching assistant. I was awarded the Best Engineering Student at McGill.”
He acknowledged the mistakes many people make when moving abroad.
“Some come just to chase money, ignoring education or skill-building. Others fake accents or fail to integrate into the system. The reality is, it takes time and understanding to succeed abroad.”
He also spoke about the changing times:
“When I moved to Canada in 2008, things were easier—jobs were more available. Now, the situation has changed. Many people come on study visas but don’t end up schooling. I know of over 50,000 international students who disappeared from the system in Canada.”
Prof. Ibrahim opened up about the pressures from home.
“There were times I couldn’t send money. I had to explain to my family that I was in school and not working. For eight years, I was seen as a disappointment, but now they understand. You need to manage people’s expectations.”
Reflecting on opportunities abroad, he advised,
“If you’re young—in your 20s or 30s—it’s a great time to come abroad and gain knowledge. But if you’re already well-established in Ghana, you may end up disappointed. Life abroad is not magical; it’s a lot of hard work.”
He noted that while Canada is a welfare state with strong support systems, high taxes cap your income.
“Even if you earn a lot, the taxes balance things out—no one becomes extremely rich or poor.”
Now a well-respected academic, Professor Ibrahim says the long educational journey was worth it.
“Many of my friends who once surpassed me financially are now behind because they didn’t invest in education. I now earn well, mentor students, and contribute meaningfully to society.”
He concluded by encouraging others to reach out.
“I post scholarship opportunities online and support international students seeking education in America and Canada. If you need guidance, you can contact me via my TikTok page—Professor Issah Ibrahim.”
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