The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), has earned global recognition once again as three of its scholars — Prof. Olusegun Samuel, Dr. Modestus Okwu, and Dr. Elias Elemike — have been named among the world’s top two percent scientists in the 2025 Stanford University–Elsevier Global Ranking of Scientists.
FUPRE’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba, described the achievement as a milestone for both the university and Nigeria, calling it a testament to the nation’s growing capacity for world-class research and innovation.
> “This honour shows that with focus, dedication, and innovation, Nigerian scholars can excel globally,” Agbalagba said.
He commended the honourees for exemplifying FUPRE’s core values of Excellence and Relevance.
Global Recognition for Research Excellence
For Engr. Prof. Olusegun Samuel, a leading authority in Energy and Thermofluid Systems, the recognition is both “humbling and inspiring.”
Featured in the global ranking for three consecutive years, Samuel attributed his success to his mentors, colleagues, students, and divine grace.
His research in sustainable energy and clean technologies has contributed to real-world solutions for energy challenges while enhancing FUPRE’s international research profile.
Similarly, Dr. Modestus Okwu, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, was honoured for his pioneering work in Robotics, Energy, and Digital Technologies.
> “This recognition proves that with commitment, integrity, and innovation, world-class research can emerge from any university,” Okwu said, noting that the honour underscores FUPRE’s growing influence in global sustainability and technological innovation.
Dr. Elias Elemike, a renowned Nanomaterials Chemist, described his inclusion among the top two percent as validation of years of focused, high-impact research.
> “It shows that my work and contributions are relevant and impactful,” Elemike said.
With more than 100 publications across disciplines such as energy, environment, medicine, and agriculture, he emphasized that publishing in top-indexed journals boosts visibility and global influence.
Nigeria’s Growing Footprint in Global Science
The inclusion of the three FUPRE academics highlights the university’s rising global standing in petroleum engineering, energy systems, nanotechnology, and digital innovation — while reinforcing Nigeria’s expanding contribution to global scientific advancement.
The Stanford–Elsevier Top Two Percent Scientists Ranking is one of the world’s most respected scientific evaluations. It uses Scopus data and a composite citation score (c-score) to assess researchers’ impact based on citations, h-index, co-authorship, and authorship position across 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields.
The ranking identifies those who rank within the top two percent of their disciplines or among the top 100,000 researchers worldwide, recognising consistent, high-impact contributions to science.
This achievement, observers note, reflects the growing global relevance of FUPRE’s research community and its commitment to cutting-edge, solution-driven scholarship that addresses pressing energy and technological challenges.
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