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 2025 publication of the Stanford–Elsevier Global Scientist Ranking.

Adeola, who was recognised for her contributions in Business and Management, emerged as the only scholar from the University of Kigali among the 14 Rwandan scientists listed this year.

Announcing the recognition on Wednesday, the University of Kigali wrote on Facebook, “The University of Kigali celebrates the recognition of 14 scientists in Rwanda named among the world’s Top 2% most influential researchers in the prestigious Stanford–Elsevier Global Scientist Ranking (2025 edition).

“We are especially honoured by the inclusion of Prof. Ogechi Adeola, Deputy Vice Chancellor at UoK, for her outstanding contributions in Business and Management, standing out in a list largely dominated by health and medical sciences.”

READ ALSO:

In a similar development, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission congratulated another Nigerian, Dr Ayodeji Amobonye Emmanuel, for also being listed among the global top two per cent scientists.

NiDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement on Tuesday, described Emmanuel as “a beacon of excellence and a worthy ambassador of Nigeria in the global scientific community.”

The statement partly read, “Amobonye, who specialises in Biotechnology, was listed for his outstanding contributions to scientific research and impact at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa, where he earned his PhD and served as a lecturer and researcher.

“He is currently a Research Fellow at the Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania. This prestigious global list identifies researchers whose publications have” made the highest impact across 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields.

READ ALSO:

“His achievement not only elevates the image of Nigeria in the diaspora but also serves as an inspiration to young scientists across the country,” NiDCOM added.

The 2025 edition of the list, developed jointly by Stanford University and Elsevier, is based on data indexed by Scopus up to the end of 2024, highlighting the world’s most-cited scientists across 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields.

By being included in this list, scientists receive global recognition for advancing knowledge and influencing their scientific communities.

291 researchers from Nigerian universities, alongside diaspora Nigerians, were recognised in this year’s list of over 200,000 researchers making strides across global institutions.

This marks an increase from the 233 Nigerian scholars who were similarly recognised in the list released last year.

Seven-year-old Morolake Adeleye of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Region 39, Ifo Ogun state stunned the congregation when she recited Psalm 119, the longest Bible chapter, by heart, on Saturday.

The young girl’s performance left the congregation in awe, with many describing the moment as a powerful testament to faith, dedication, and the impact of early spiritual training through the longest Bible chapter.

The event took place during the church’s Power Must Change Hands (PMCH) programme at MFM Prayercity, a vibrant Pentecostal church known for its emphasis on prayer, scripture, and spiritual warfare.

Adeleye, a soft-spoken but confident member of the children’s ministry, took to the pulpit under the watchful eyes of her parents, church leaders, and thousands of worshippers.

READ ALSO:Madagascar’s President Denounces ‘Coup Attempt’ As Gen Z Protests Escalate

Dressed in a grey suit, she stood poised and began reciting the intricate acrostic poem, which is structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet and celebrates the beauty and necessity of God’s Word, especially noted in the longest Bible chapter.

Psalm 119, often referred to as an “alphabet of praise,” is renowned for its complexity and depth. Each of its 22 stanzas, corresponding to a Hebrew letter, contains eight verses that weave together themes of devotion, obedience, and reliance on God’s law.

The chapter’s 176 verses explore the psalmist’s struggles, triumphs, and meditations on divine truth, with iconic lines like, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NIV).

Biblical scholars note that the chapter’s poetic structure and theological richness make it a challenging text even for seasoned memorisers.

The recitation, which lasted nearly 20 minutes, concluded with a standing ovation from many in the audience.

READ ALSO:Alleged Infidelity: Soludo’s Wife Issues Senator Ekwunife Ultimatum To Apologize

Adeleye’s achievement is particularly notable given the cultural and spiritual significance of Psalm 119, the longest Bible chapter.

In Christian and Jewish traditions, the chapter is revered for its focus on God’s character and the transformative power of scripture.

Historically, figures like William Wilberforce, the 19th-century British abolitionist, memorizedmemorised and recited Psalm 119 as a meditative practice.

In Nigeria, where oral tradition and scriptural memorisation are cherished, such displays are celebrated as signs of spiritual maturity, even among the young.

This is not the first time a young Nigerian has garnered attention for reciting Psalm 119. In 2018, a boy named Samuel Adeniyi went viral for a similar performance at the April 2018 Holy Ghost Service of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
(NIGERIAN TRIBUNE)

The Benin Etete Unique and Edo Heritage Lions of the International Association of Lions Club on Friday jointly distributed educational materials to two schools in Benin City as part of the association corporate services to humanity.

The two clubs in District 404-A4 Lions Nigeria, jointly carried out the distribution of notebooks, maths sets, school bags and sandals, pens and other writing materials to excited pupils in Ivbioba Primary School and Oghede-Ivioba Primary School, Ugbighoko, Egor Local Government Area, and Evbiyenava Primary School, in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

Themed, Back to School Project, pupils were also engaged in Reading Action Program (RAP) and Spelling Bee Competition, after which winners were presented with special prizes.

In their remarks, Lions Darlington Uyi and Franca Nikoro, presidents of Benin Etete Unique and Edo Heritage Lions Clubs stated that the vision of the Lions International is to serve humanity.

READ ALSO:Properties Worth Millions Of Naira Destroyed As Fire Ravages Building In Ibadan

They, therefore, tasked pupils on commitment to their studies in order to attain their fullest potentials in life.

“Emulate Lions in your visions for tomorrow. We have various professionals as members, and if you are committed to your studies, obedient to your parents and teachers, you will attain great heights,” Lion Uyi Darlinton Stated.

“Our vision is to serve, and we are here like we do every period to ensure Literacy is inculcated in pupils to enable them to attain their full potential. It is our earnest desire that you grow into well rounded personalities. Literacy is important in order to actualize that aspiration,” Franca Nikoro stated.

Earlier, in his address, Lion Sir Dede Henry Idemudia, Zone 6A Chairperson, tasked the pupils on good conduct, honour to parents and guardians and obedience to instructions of school authority.