Nigerian Academic and Diaspora Scientist Among World’s Top 2% Researchers in 2025

A Nigerian academic and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Kigali in Rwanda, Professor Ogechi Adeola, has been named among the world’s top two per cent scientists in the prestigious 2025 Stanford–Elsevier Global Scientist Ranking. Adeola, recognized for her outstanding contributions to Business and Management, was the sole representative from the University of Kigali among 14 Rwandan scientists honored this year.

The University of Kigali celebrated the achievement on social media, highlighting that Adeola’s recognition stands out in a list predominantly dominated by health and medical sciences. This acclaim places her in the global elite of researchers whose publications have had exceptional scientific impact.

In parallel, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) congratulated another Nigerian, Dr. Ayodeji Amobonye Emmanuel, for inclusion in the same global top two per cent list. Dr. Amobonye, a biotechnology specialist, earned his PhD at Durban University of Technology, South Africa, and currently works as a Research Fellow at Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania. NiDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa described him as a “beacon of excellence” and a “worthy ambassador” of Nigeria in the global scientific community. His contributions significantly elevate Nigeria’s standing in worldwide research innovation and inspire young Nigerian scientists.

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The 2025 list from Stanford University and Elsevier, collated using Scopus data up to the end of 2024, identifies over 100,000 researchers globally who have made the highest scientific impact in 22 broad fields and 174 subfields. This year, 291 researchers from Nigerian universities and the diaspora were recognized, an increase from 233 last year, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in global scientific advancements.

The presence of Nigerian scholars like Professor Adeola and Dr. Amobonye on this prestigious ranking highlights their significant roles in advancing knowledge and shaping their scientific fields, serving as role models for aspiring African researchers.