By Waziri Isa Adam
Through their tireless efforts and dedication to groundbreaking research, six academic staff members of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have earned recognition as among the world’s top 2% scientists, according to Stanford University and Elsevier’s prestigious rankings.
Prof. Mohammed Shafiu, Prof. Jha Basant Kumar, Dr. Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim, Dr. Aliyu Alhaji, Prof. Mu’awiya Babale Sufiyan, and Prof. Joseph Olusegun Ayo have demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, solidifying their positions as leaders in their fields.
Their remarkable achievements were acknowledged during the 540th Regular Senate meeting on September 26, 2024. This year’s honorees surpass last year’s tally of four staff members, underscoring the university’s growing reputation for academic distinction.
The individual rankings of these esteemed scientists are:
Prof. Mohammed Shafiu (Department of Clinical Pharmacy) – World Rank: 154,113
Prof. Jha Basant Kumar (Department of Mathematics) – World Rank: 186,230
Dr. Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim (Department of Biochemistry) – World Rank: 339,682
Dr. Aliyu Alhaji (Department of Community Medicine) – World Rank: 435,376
Prof. Mu’awiya Babale Sufiyan (Department of Community Medicine) – World Rank: 621,051
Prof. Joseph Olusegun Ayo (Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology) – World Rank: 729,525
Through their outstanding research and academic contributions, these scientists have not only earned global recognition but also propelled ABU to notable milestones. Their achievements include securing 3rd place in the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) National Essay Competition and receiving a generous donation of two million Naira from an alumnus for the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology.
Furthermore, Prof. Clara L. Ejembi’s outstanding work was recognized by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, with a prize named in her honor. Several staff members, including these distinguished scientists, were promoted to the ranks of Professor and Reader/Principal Research Fellow, demonstrating ABU’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent.
Through their individual efforts, these scientists have not only earned global recognition but also inspired their colleagues and students, cementing Ahmadu Bello University’s position as one of the leading institutions, academically, in Nigeria.