Prof. Dike Ojji Emerges UniAbuja’s Best Researcher, Wins Gold Medal Back-to-Back in 2024 and 2025

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Professor Dike Ojji of the University of Abuja has once again etched his name in the institution’s research history, emerging as the Gold Medalist for Best Researcher for two consecutive years—2024 and 2025—a rare and outstanding feat that underscores his consistency, scholarly depth, and global research relevance.

This recognition came during the combined 2024 and 2025 UniAbuja Researchers and Authors Recognition Awards, hosted by the Centre for Sponsored Projects (CSP) of the University of Abuja. The annual ceremony honours academics whose research excellence has translated into competitive grants, impactful publications, and meaningful contributions to knowledge and societal development.

At the event, the Director of the Centre for Sponsored Projects, Professor Obiageli Nnodu, disclosed that 21 academics were honoured in 2024 across various medal categories, while 14 researchers distinguished themselves in 2025 through grants secured from reputable international donor agencies.

Professor Dike Ojji’s emergence as a Gold Medal awardee in both years places him in a distinguished class of scholars whose work continues to attract international recognition and funding, reinforcing UniAbuja’s standing as a growing hub of research excellence.

Commending the award recipients, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, praised their intellectual contributions and the positive impact of their research on knowledge advancement. He urged senior academics to intensify mentorship for early-career researchers, stressing that collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge transfer are vital for sustaining innovation and leadership in research.

Beyond the awards, the programme featured a capacity-building workshop titled “Empowering Researchers to Publish Effectively, Conduct Systematic Reviews, and Manage Funded Projects.” The session was facilitated by Dr Bernard Appiah, Associate Professor of Public Health at Falk College, Syracuse University, United States. The workshop focused on enhancing researchers’ skills in scholarly publishing, systematic reviews, and effective management of funded projects.

2025 Research Grant Awardees

Gold Medal Category:

• Professor Dike Ojji
• Professor Obiageli Nnodu
• Professor Kasim Waziri
• Professor Hauwa Imam

Bronze Category:

• Professor Uche Nnebe-Agumadu
• Professor Ukamaka Dorothy Itanyi
• Professor Moshood Adewale Belewu
• Dr Aransiola Sesan Abiodun
• Professor Toba Samuel Anjorin
• Professor Adaora Okechukwu
• Professor Simon A. Ubah
• Professor Bolade Thomas Adeyemo
• Professor Olumide Owolabi
• Dr Mohammed Oludare Idrees

2024 Research Grant Awardees

Gold Category:

• Professor Dike Ojji
• Professor Obiageli Nnodu
• Professor Ishaya M. Dagwa

Silver Category:

• Professor Hauwa Imam
• Professor Uche Nnebe-Agumadu

Bronze Category:

• Professor Olumide Owolabi
• Professor Musah Khadijah Toyin
• Professor Kolawole Sunday Adebayo
• Professor Yunusa Thairu
• Dr Ojonoma L. Okwute
• Dr Comfort A. Olanrewaju
• Dr Perpetual Ibekwe
• Dr Grace E. Egwu
• Dr Hadiza Abubakar Ahmad
• Dr Adenike O. Adeniyi
• Dr Abah Roseline Toyin
• Dr Ekwe Nweka Blessing
• Dr Oluremi Isola Adeniran
• Dr Eronu E. Majiyebo
• Dr Emmanuel Ogo Onche
• Dr Ogunlade Emmanuel Segun

Professor Dike Ojji’s back-to-back gold medal recognition stands as a testament to sustained excellence, dedication to impactful research, and the growing strength of the University of Abuja’s research ecosystem.