Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), has recorded a major milestone in its drive for academic excellence, with 397 academic staff members featured in the 2026 AD Scientific Index, a globally recognized ranking platform that evaluates researchers based on their scientific productivity, H-index, i10-index, and citation impact.

The latest ranking underscores the University’s growing research capacity and reflects the sustained contributions of its scholars to knowledge creation across diverse disciplines. The AD Scientific Index provides near real-time assessments of researchers and institutions, serving as an international benchmark for measuring research performance and scholarly impact.

The ten leading AE-FUNAI researchers according to the global rankings include: Prof. Chinedum Eleazu, who is ranked 1^st in the University, 299^th in Nigeria and 233,904 globally. Other highly ranked scholars include Dr. Ademola C. Famurewa (2^nd), Prof. Chukwunonso E.C.C. Ejike (3^rd), Prof. Robert Onyeneke (4^th), Prof. Anthony Chinonso Ekennia (5^th), Prof. Onuegbu O. Ugwu (6^th), Prof. Chinyere Aloke (7^th), Prof. Chukwunonso Peter Okoli (8^th), Prof. Nwogo Ajuka Obasi (9^th), while Prof. Fabian Ugwu is ranked 10^th among the 397 AE-FUNAI academics recognized for their outstanding research output in the global database.

The achievement further reinforces AE-FUNAI’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant research culture, promoting innovation, and advancing impactful scholarship that addresses national and global development challenges. It also strengthens the University’s position as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres of excellence in research and higher education.

Commenting on the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, described the ranking as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and intellectual excellence of the University’s academic staff.

“The inclusion of 397 of our academics in the AD Scientific Index is a remarkable achievement that reflects the quality of scholarship being produced at AE-FUNAI. This recognition is not only a celebration of our researchers but also an affirmation of our commitment to building a globally competitive university anchored on excellence in teaching, research, and innovation,” he said.

Prof. Nwachukwu reaffirmed the University’s resolve to strengthen research through strategic collaborations, improved research infrastructure, mentorship of early-career academics, and policies that encourage high-impact publications and interdisciplinary research.

He congratulated all the ranked scholars on the achievement and urged them to sustain the momentum while inspiring younger academics to pursue excellence in research.

He further emphasized that the University would continue to provide an enabling environment that rewards innovation, enhances global visibility, and contributes meaningfully to national development through cutting-edge research.

The AD Scientific Index ranks scientists and higher education institutions worldwide using internationally recognized bibliometric indicators, providing an objective measure of research productivity and impact. AE-FUNAI’s strong representation in the latest rankings reflects its growing reputation as a research-driven institution committed to generating knowledge that advances society.