Dr. Latif Iddrisu Nasare, an Alumnus of the University for Development Studies (UDS), who doubles as a lecturer at the Department of Forestry and Forest Resources Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment of UDS, has been awarded the prestigious Dean’s Award of Excellence at the 56th Congregation of the University of Cape Coast on January 26, 2024.

Dr. Nasare was awarded for his outstanding PhD thesis in the field of Entomology. His thesis was recognised for its exceptional technical content and precision of presentation and was adjudged by the Examiners to be of “tremendous quality”. To qualify for the award, a candidate must score a minimum grade of B+ for both thesis and oral presentation, and   the thesis should have been submitted before or by the official submission date.

The ground breaking research focused on the floral phenology of shea and the exploration of managed bees (Apis mellifera) for enhanced shea pollination in northern Ghana. His findings revealed regional variations in shea floral phenology and a positive impact of apiaries on fruit set. Dr. Nasare recommends the integration of beekeeping in shea parklands for improved pollination services.

Dr. Nasare graduated with BSc. in Renewable Natural Resources (Forestry and Forest Resources Management) at UDS in 2012 and followed by an MPhil in Environment and Resource Management in 2017 in the same University. Notably, he participated in the United Nations University Fellowship Programme on Land Restoration and Sustainable Land Management at the Agricultural University of Iceland from March to September 2018. Dr. Nasare pursued his passion for advanced studies, obtaining a PhD in Entomology from the University of Cape Coast on January 26, 2024.

Dr. Nasare's academic journey at the University for Development Studies began in 2012, where he served in various capacities. He did his National service in the Department of Forestry and Forest Resources Management as a Teaching Assistant in the 2012/2013 academic year and volunteered as a Research Assistant for two academic years in the same department. His commitment to academia is evident. Dr. Latif Iddrisu Nasare was officially appointed as an Assistant Lecturer in February 2018 and later upgraded to the position of Lecturer in March 2020.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Nasare has demonstrated a profound interest in research, with a focus on Pollination Ecology, Tree Pest, Insect Biodiversity in Savanna Woodlands, Landuse and Insect Biodiversity, Restoration Ecology, and Agroecology. His research has been widely acknowledged, with numerous publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals and presentations at various local and international conferences.

Dr. Nasare is an active member of several professional associations, including the International Union for the Study of Social Insects, Society for Ecological Restoration, Ghana Science Association, and the Association of Applied Biologists.

His exemplary journey, from a Teaching Assistant in 2012 to a distinguished lecturer and award-winning researcher, exemplifies the commitment to academic excellence that we celebrate at the University for Development Studies.

Congratulations, Dr. Latif Iddrisu Nasare, on this well-deserved recognition!

Story by:
Tahiru Abdulai Alhassan
(UDS Alumni Relations)