I am PhD candidate in Political Science at the University of California, Merced. I study the Political Economy of Development in Democratizing States, with a regional focus on Africa - particularly Nigeria.  Most of my work asks how political institutions, and (historical) events shape distributive politics comparatively. 

My dissertation analyzes how bureaucratic embeddedness (bureaucrat ties and connections to groups in society) affects the provision of local public goods. I study this in the context of the Nigerian Federal Civil Service, using historical and contemporary data on bureaucrat composition and local public goods projects allocations. 

Previously, I earned an M.A and a B.A in Economics both from the University of Akron. I am Nigerian, and a proud supporter of the Super Eagles and Falcons!


You can find me on Google Scholar. You can also get in touch with me on Twitter, and LinkedIn or through email at ajohnson-kanu@ucmerced.edu

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