The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), has earned international acclaim once again as three of its researchers Prof. Olusegun Samuel, Dr. Modestus Okwu, and Dr. Elias Elemike were named among the world’s top 2% of scientists in the 2025 Stanford University–Elsevier Global Ranking of Scientists, a recognition that places Nigeria firmly on the global map of academic excellence.
Announcing the achievement, FUPRE’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, described the recognition as a “milestone for Nigerian academia,” noting that it demonstrates the country’s growing capacity for world-class research, innovation, and technological advancement.
“This honour shows that with focus, dedication, and innovation, Nigerian scholars can excel globally,” Agbalagba said, commending the awardees for embodying the university’s values of Excellence and Relevance.
For Prof. Olusegun Samuel, a distinguished Energy and Thermofluid Systems expert, the recognition — his third consecutive listing — represents a blend of humility and inspiration. He credited his success to “divine grace, mentorship, and teamwork,” noting that his research in sustainable and clean energy systems continues to tackle real-world energy challenges while strengthening FUPRE’s international research footprint.
Dr. Modestus Okwu, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, was honoured for his pioneering work in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Renewable Energy Systems. He described the accolade as proof that “with integrity and innovation, world-class research can thrive from any university.” His contributions advance FUPRE’s growing role in digital transformation and industrial automation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Elias Elemike, a leading Nanomaterials Chemist, viewed the recognition as a validation of years of sustained effort. With more than 100 scholarly publications spanning energy, medicine, agriculture, and environmental chemistry, he emphasized that impactful, peer-reviewed research remains central to global scientific relevance.
The Stanford–Elsevier ranking, based on Scopus citation data and a composite score (c-score), evaluates scientists across 22 disciplines and 174 subfields, using metrics such as citation impact, co-authorship, and research consistency.
The inclusion of three FUPRE scholars in the 2025 list underscores the university’s emergent influence in petroleum engineering, energy systems, nanotechnology, and digital innovation, while reinforcing Nigeria’s expanding contribution to global scientific advancement.
This achievement, observers note, not only elevates FUPRE’s international reputation but also signals a broader awakening of Africa’s research excellence in shaping the world’s technological future.
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