Five academics of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, have been recognised among the world’s top two percent of scientists in the 2026 Stanford–Elsevier ranking, a feat the institution described as its emergence as a force in global scientific discourse.

According to the institution, the recognition has placed the university among institutions whose researchers are shaping global scientific discourse through high-impact scholarship and signals UNIMED’s rising footprint in international research circles.

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Issacs Oluyi, in a statement stated that the five honourees span multiple faculties and disciplines, reflecting the university’s broad-based research capacity.

He listed the researchers as Dr Olumuyiwa James Peter of the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Faculty of Sciences; Dr Omamuyovwi M. Ijomone of the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; Dr Oyetunde T. Oyeyemi and Dr Aniefiok John Udoakang, both of the Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences; and Dr Olorunsola I. Adeyomoye of the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences.

The statement read, “The Stanford–Elsevier database, built on standardised citation indicators drawn from Scopus, evaluates researchers’ scientific impact through metrics including citation counts, authorship contributions and field-specific benchmarks.

“The Single-Year category specifically measures research influence within a single calendar year, making the honour a snapshot of immediate scholarly relevance.”

UNIMED’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, celebrated the achievement as a defining moment for the institution, describing it as a validation of the university’s research culture and its commitment to producing knowledge with tangible societal value.

“This recognition is a remarkable achievement for the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo. It reflects the dedication, intellectual rigour and commitment of our researchers to producing scientific knowledge that contributes meaningfully to humanity.

“Their success reinforces our belief that investment in research, innovation and academic excellence is essential to the advancement of society,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.

Prof. Adejuyigbe extended congratulations to the five researchers, their collaborators and their research teams, noting that their accomplishment would inspire other academics and emerging scholars within the university.

She reaffirmed UNIMED’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for high-quality research, strategic collaborations and scholarly contributions that address pressing local and global challenges.

The university’s Central Office for Research and Development (CORD) also joined in congratulating the researchers, framing the recognition as proof of UNIMED’s expanding scholarly influence and the growing contribution of its academics to global scientific advancement.

CORD urged academic staff to sustain impactful research, deepen interdisciplinary and international collaborations, and translate research outcomes into practical solutions for healthcare, science and societal development.

“The achievement reinforces UNIMED’s ambition to consolidate its standing as a leading institution for medical and health sciences education, research and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.”