Munkaila Lambongang, a distinguished Ph.D. candidate at West Virginia University (WVU), has been honored with the prestigious $2,000 Chester O. McCorkle Jr. Award. This highly competitive award is granted to outstanding students from top applied economics institutions across the United States. Munkaila, an alumnus of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala Campus, is the first student from West Virginia University and the first from West Africa to receive this esteemed recognition.

Reflecting on this achievement, Munkaila expressed deep gratitude to those who shaped his academic journey. “This award is not just for me; it is a testament to the unwavering support of my mentors, my family, and my alma mater, UDS. I am especially grateful to Dr. Isaac Ansah, who played a pivotal role in refining my research skills and guiding me through my early academic career.”

A Journey Shaped by Determination and Mentorship

Munkaila’s path to excellence began at UDS, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness in 2018. He graduated as one of the top students in his class, an achievement he attributes to the strong academic foundation laid by UDS faculty members. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ansah, Munkaila developed a passion for research, eventually becoming a teaching assistant at UDS.

Recalling his entry into UDS, he revealed an unexpected turn of events. “Initially, I applied for Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, and Agribusiness, with a strong inclination toward Biochemistry. However, due to delays in my admission process, I was eventually offered Agribusiness. At first, I was uncertain, but looking back, I realize it was the best thing that could have happened to me,” he shared.

Munkaila found comfort and support at UDS, as many of his classmates from St. Charles Seminary Secondary School were also admitted. “Nyankpala Campus felt like home. My mates from St. Charles made it easy for me to settle in,” he added.

UDS: A Launchpad for Success

Beyond academics, UDS provided Munkaila with numerous leadership and extracurricular opportunities. As a course representative, he honed his leadership and organizational skills, facilitating communication between students, faculty, and lecturers. He also participated in the university’s flagship Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP), a six-week community engagement initiative designed to equip students with hands-on research and development experience.

“I was the group leader during TTFPP, responsible for drafting proposals and coordinating interventions. This experience significantly strengthened my research abilities and deepened my understanding of rural development in Ghana,” he recounted.

Following his undergraduate studies, Munkaila served as a teaching assistant during his national service, during which he secured a DAAD scholarship to pursue an MPhil in Agricultural Economics at UDS. His academic excellence earned him another scholarship to study at North Dakota State University, where he obtained an MPhil in Agricultural and Applied Economics (2021–2023). Determined to push further, he applied for a Ph.D. program and was awarded a full scholarship at WVU to study Natural Resource and Environmental Economics.

Groundbreaking Research on Climate Resilience
 
Currently, Munkaila’s research explores the role of household structure in climate resilience, focusing on polygamous and monogamous households in Northern Ghana. His research proposal, titled “Polygyny as an Agricultural Household Climate Resilience Strategy,” examines how family structures influence adaptation to climate shocks in a region heavily affected by climate change.

“My research is deeply personal. Growing up in a farming community in Nakpanduri District, I witnessed firsthand how climate change impacts livelihoods. Understanding how household structures affect resilience is crucial for crafting sustainable policies,” he explained.

His exceptional research contributions and academic excellence earned him the Chester O. McCorkle Jr. Award, placing him in the ranks of top-tier applied economics scholars in the U.S.

A Message of Inspiration

Speaking to UDS Media, Munkaila encouraged students to remain determined and focused on their goals. “Success is a journey. Stay committed, embrace challenges, and never stop learning. If I could make it this far, so can you.”

UDS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan, commended Munkaila’s achievement, emphasizing the university’s commitment to producing resilient and innovative graduates. “UDS takes pride in nurturing students who can compete on any global stage. Munkaila’s success reinforces our belief that our graduates can excel anywhere in the world.”

Looking ahead, Munkaila aspires to become a professor, contributing to academia and working with global institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Congratulations to Munkaila Lambongang on this well-deserved achievement! The University for Development Studies celebrates your success and looks forward to your continued impact on the world stage.

By Bukari Ayuba & Awuni Samuel
UDS Media – 2025