Raised by a mechanic, this man defies odds to earn PhD in the US and becomes the first graduate in his family

Justice began his higher academic journey in Ghana at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Settlement Planning in 2016.

Determined to deepen his expertise in urban development and planning, he proceeded to complete a master’s degree in Planning at the same university.  But even after earning two degrees, Justice believed his journey was far from over.

Driven by bigger dreams and a desire to expand his impact globally, he began pursuing opportunities for international education. His persistence eventually paid off when he secured admission to study Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah in America.

What started as another academic step later evolved into a doctoral journey. After years of intense study, research, and sacrifice, Justice successfully earned his PhD, officially becoming a doctor in the field of Metropolitan Planning.

But behind the degree was a journey filled with quiet struggles and extraordinary resilience.

Reflecting on the moment he was hooded during his doctoral ceremony, Justice described it as surreal, humbling, and emotional.

Standing on stage beside accomplished scholars while his mentor, Professor Reid Ewing, placed the doctoral hood over his shoulders felt almost unbelievable considering where he started from.

“If you had told a younger version of me that the son of a roadside mechanic and a corner shop cook would one day earn a PhD in the United States, present research to federal agencies, receive national awards, and collaborate with leading scholars, I probably would have smiled politely and asked if you had the right person,” he shared on Facebook.

As a first-generation college student, higher education was never guaranteed. His parents never had the opportunity to pursue university education themselves, but despite limited resources, they remained committed to ensuring their children stayed in school.

“We don’t have much, but we’ll help you get an education. Trust God. Work hard. Respect people. Stay humble,” Justice recalled their message to him and his siblings.

That message became the foundation of his life. Justice attended several schools across Ghana, beginning from modest institutions before eventually advancing to prestigious academic environments including Prempeh College, KNUST, and later the University of Utah.

Through scholarships, grants, and support from mentors who believed in his potential, doors gradually opened that once seemed impossible. Still, the journey was not easy.

Justice revealed that he completed his PhD within a remarkably short period while simultaneously working full-time as a City Planner in local government, teaching and conducting research to meet scholarship obligations and supporting his wife and two children.

For years, balancing work, academics, and family meant sacrificing sleep and constantly pushing beyond exhaustion.

“Was I stressed most of the time? Absolutely,” he admitted. “Were there moments I questioned whether I could keep going? Definitely.” Yet, through every difficult season, he leaned on his faith, family, mentors, and support system.

He also credited the many teachers and mentors who guided him throughout different stages of his life, from primary school to university, saying each of them helped shape not only his academic growth but also his character and leadership.

One lesson that stayed with him came from his grandfather, who used to say: “Intelligence is like underwear. It’s good to have one, but not nice to show it off.”

That lesson in humility remained with him despite earning degrees, awards, fellowships, publications, and national recognition.

Today, Justice says his greatest accomplishment is not the degree itself, but the people who stood beside him throughout the journey. “My family gave purpose to every long night, every sacrifice, and every difficult moment,” he said.

Though earning a PhD marked a major milestone, he believes it is only the beginning of a new chapter.

He hopes his story encourages others facing difficult circumstances to keep believing in their dreams regardless of where they come from.“This achievement belongs to all of us,” he said while thanking everyone who contributed to his journey.