By NIGERIA’S reputation for academic excellence has received another major boost as three scholars from the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) have been named among the world’s top 2% scientists in the 2025 Stanford University–Elsevier Global Ranking of Scientists.
The academics
The honourees — Engr. Prof. Olusegun David Samuel, Dr Modestus O. Okwu, and Dr Elias E. Elemike — earned their places in the prestigious ranking, which evaluates researchers across 22 fields and 174 subfields using Scopus data.
The global listing measures a composite citation score that accounts for citations, h-index, co-authorship, and authorship position, identifying the top 100,000 most influential researchers or the top 2% within each field.
FUPRE’s latest recognition highlights the growing impact of Nigerian scholars on global research and underscores the university’s commitment to innovative, problem-solving, and globally relevant science.
Engr. Prof. Olusegun David Samuel, a renowned figure in Energy and Thermofluid Systems, described the honour as “humbling and inspiring.”
Featured in the global ranking for three consecutive years, he credited the achievement to mentorship, teamwork, and divine favour. Prof. Samuel’s work in sustainable energy and clean technology continues to advance practical solutions to global energy challenges while strengthening FUPRE’s international standing in research excellence.
Dr Modestus O. Okwu, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, earned recognition for his pioneering contributions to Robotics, Energy, and Digital Technologies. His research integrates artificial intelligence, automation, and renewable energy to address industrial and societal needs.
Describing the recognition as a reminder that “world-class research can emerge from any institution, given integrity and innovation,” Dr Okwu dedicated the honour to his team and the university community.
For Dr Elias E. Elemike, a leading Nanomaterials Chemist, the inclusion in the Stanford–Elsevier list is “a validation of years of sustained effort and focused research.”
With more than 100 scholarly publications in fields spanning energy, environment, medicine, and agriculture, Dr Elemike stressed the importance of publishing in reputable journals to enhance global visibility.
He encouraged young academics to remain curious, collaborative, and consistent in pursuit of excellence.
FUPRE’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, hailed the global ranking as a landmark achievement for the institution and for Nigeria’s research community.
“This honour reaffirms that with focus, dedication, and innovation, Nigerian scholars can compete globally,” he said, commending the awardees for embodying the university’s core values of Excellence and Relevance.
FUPRE VC
The feat marks a new milestone in FUPRE’s mission to drive scientific discovery, energy innovation, and technological advancement.
It also affirms Nigeria’s growing contribution to global knowledge production.
Through vision, collaboration, and groundbreaking research, FUPRE continues to shape solutions that empower industries, impact communities, and build a sustainable future.
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