David Yakubu
My research interest spans
About
My story begins in Nigeria. I grew up in a community where hope could be sparked by something as simple as a child earning the chance to go to school. I saw how good leadership and thoughtful policies could open doors, paving the way for countless dreams. I also witnessed how missteps in government or broken promises left behind lingering challenges for families and entire neighborhoods. These early experiences made me believe that the most meaningful policies are those that respond to real needs and help people move forward. Moving from Nigeria to Villanova University was more than crossing continents. It meant stepping into new worlds, cultures, and possibilities. As an international student, I have learned firsthand that what happens in distant boardrooms and legislative halls can touch lives in the most personal ways. Every rule, every reform, and every opportunity has a story behind it, someone’s journey, hope or setback. I am passionate about bridging the gap between policy and people. Behind every research project and every analysis is my commitment to real stories and real impact. From supporting a local orphanage in my home village to mentoring students tackling cultural and academic hurdles, service is at the heart of what I do. I lead by lifting others, as President of the African and Caribbean Graduate Student Association, as a mentor, or as a friend who has walked the path of uncertainty and hope. I believe in democracy that listens, adapts, and includes. My journey has taught me resilience and empathy. I want to help build a world where policies do not just look good on paper, but actually change lives, one community, one student, and one story at a time.
Basic Bio
David Yakubu earned his Master’s in Political Science from Villanova University. He specializes in international relations, security studies, and policy analysis, with experience in African security dynamics, Russian and Chinese geopolitical strategy, open-source research and emerging technologies from artificial intelligence to cyber policy. As a Graduate Research Assistant, David has contributed to projects on conflict resolution, foreign policy, and technology. His academic output includes original research on United Nations Security Council veto behavior, the resurgence of Russian influence in West Africa, the calculus of war; Iran after the twelve day war, and policy challenges at the intersection of technology and governance. David’s leadership experience extends beyond research. He has coordinated university-wide initiatives, organized academic competitions, and served as President of the African and Caribbean Graduate Student Association and International Student Officer. His professional background includes risk assessment and internal control roles in Nigeria, where he focused on practical solutions and process improvements for organizations. David combines qualitative research and data analysis with open-source intelligence to deliver strategic insights. His approachable style and genuine curiosity inspire colleagues and students to engage, collaborate, and tackle tough global challenges. He is eager to connect with partners and employers who value new ideas, practical problem solving, and a commitment to making policy truly work for people.
Skills
Proficiencies in research, policy analysis, communication, and technical tools
Sumary
David Yakubu
Graduate student and experienced researcher dedicated to international conflict resolution and policy analysis. Proven ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.
- Philadelphia, PA 19104
- dyakubu215@gmail.com
Education
M.A. Political Science And Governance
Jan, 2024 - Dec, 2025
Villanova University, Villanova, PA
Focus: International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Policy Analysis & Geopolitics.
BSc Criminology and Security Studies
2015 - 2019
University of Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
Honors Degree, Certificate of Leadership. Emphasized holistic approaches to security and criminological theory.
Professional Experience
Graduate Research Assistant
2024 - Present
Villanova University, Office of Graduate Research and Education, PA
- Produced 2-to-5-page literature review and analyses on foreign policy, technology, and national security for facultys.
- Collected and cleaned sources for projects on Russia in the Sahel, UNSC veto behavior, and cyber enabled influence operations, documented steps and presented findings to faculty members and in conferences.
- Ran logistics for 12 research and non-research events (25 to 120 attendees), handled speaker outreach, calendar holds, travel coordination, SharePoint folders, A/V checks, and kept every session on time.
- Built an R and Excel tracker for grants and applications. Standardized file names and access controls and cut weekly reporting time with 20 percent.
- Created short guides and templates for fellowship applications and mentored peers on structure and timelines, improved submission quality and review time with 25 percent.
- Maintained tidy shared folders, sent pre reads, and circulated action items with owners and due dates after meetings.
Internal Control Assistant
2022 - 2024
Manna Mountains Limited, Abuja, Nigeria
- Conducted background checks on employees, contractors, and partners and summarized risk findings for executives in clear language.
- Drafted incident reports and maintained confidential records with consistent naming and permissions. Improved retrieval during audits.
- Identified fraud indicators and recommended corrective steps with owners and timelines. Improved closure rates
- Coordinated across teams to resolve documentation gaps and shortened review cycles by 30 percent.
Special Assistant (Intelligence)
2021 - 2022
Nigerian Security And Civil Defense Corps
- Completed Nigeria’s mandatory paramilitary National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program with assignment under the Chief Administrative Officer.
- Managed confidential intelligence documents and administrative correspondences to support internal operations and inter-agency coordination.
- Assisted with daily briefings, file handling, and secure record-keeping within the intelligence and administrative unit.
- Contributed to operational planning and internal communication procedures within the Corps’ Abuja headquarters.
Research Samples
Selected academic research projects exploring topics in international security, conflict resolution, and public policy. Click a title below to read the full article.
Veto Power & International Conflict
How UN Security Council vetoes shape U.S. crisis responses.
New Alliances in the Sahel
Russia’s influence in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Ebola Response & Surveillance
Policy lessons and proposals for unified disease surveillance.
Analysis of "What I believe as a Historian of Genocide"
Exploring nuances of Omer Bartov's Op-Ed on the usage of "Genocide".
Examining the Gendered Dimensions of Genocide
How gender shapes and informs mass violence.
Contact
Feel free to reach out for collaborations, research inquiries, or policy-related opportunities. I'm always open to meaningful conversations and professional connections.
Address
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Email Me
dyakubu215@gmail.com