Professor Anthony Okoh, a globally distinguished Nigerian microbiologist at South Africa?s University of Fort Hare?s (UFH) Faculty of Science and Agriculture, has been awarded a National Research Foundation (NRF) B1 rating, the highest NRF rating ever bestowed on an academic at UFH.

This exceptional recognition places Prof. Okoh among an elite group of researchers whose work is regarded internationally as leading in its field. The B1 rating acknowledges his consistent, high-quality research output, his leadership in postgraduate training, and the wide-reaching impact of his scholarship.

His attainment aligns with UFH?s vision to be a leading centre of excellence in research, innovation, and academic impact across Africa and beyond. ?For me, this recognition simply means one thing, and that is that we?re doing quality research in this university, and that we must never underrate ourselves. With the encouragement and support needed, there is no limit to what we can achieve,? he commented.

Global Rankings and Scholarly Impact

For the UFH community, this recognition comes as no surprise, given Prof. Okoh?s widely acknowledged influence in global research rankings. He is ranked the number one researcher in Microbiology at UFH, the second highest in South Africa and on the African continent, and 125th globally in the discipline, according to AD (Alper-Doger) Scientific Index World Scientist and University Rankings 2025. His citation record, with more than 29,000 citations and an H-index of 83, places him among the most cited researchers globally.

Prof. Okoh?s academic journey began in 1990, and over the past four decades, he has built an illustrious career grounded in excellence, innovation, and service. After earning his BSc (Hons), MSc, and PhD in Microbiology, as well as more than a dozen professional certifications from institutions across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, he joined the University of Fort Hare in 2006 as an Associate Professor. By 2008, he was promoted to Full Professor of Microbiology, and the following year he became Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology.

Under his leadership, the department became UFH?s most productive academic entity by 2012, a status it maintains today. He has served as Deputy-Dean (Research and Internationalization) of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture and severally acted as Dean of the Faculty. Since 2013 till date, Prof. Okoh has been the Leader of the Water Research Niche Area of the UFH and Director of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre since 2015.

Research Contributions and Leadership

His research has profoundly shaped the field of Applied and Environmental/Public Health Microbiology. His work spans a wide array of critical areas, including water and wastewater quality monitoring, emerging pathogens in aquatic systems, antibiotic resistance in the environment, health risk assessments, and the discovery of novel bioactive compounds for health and industrial use.

As Director of the SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, and founder of the Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Prof. Okoh has led high-impact projects at national and international levels.

His research team averages more than 45 journal articles annually, contributing to his current record of over 520 peer-reviewed publications, one patent, and numerous keynote addresses. He has successfully supervised and co-supervised 60 PhDs and 75 Master?s graduates. Many of these former students now hold influential academic and leadership positions in South Africa and beyond.

Reflecting on the impact of his work and the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Prof. Okoh remarked: ?I believe that I have made significant impacts in the microbial sciences discipline as evident from the approximately 30,000 citations of our works, and my national, regional, and global rankings.?

?I ultimately aspire to leverage these recognitions towards leaving behind a legacy of an established, fully-fledged, and financially independent institute of water quality and environmental genomics in this great university. Of course, this will entail extensive global networking for funding, which I intend to prioritise over the next five years.?

Recognition and Affiliations

His excellence has been recognised through numerous awards over the years, including the UFH Vice-Chancellor?s Emerging Researcher and Senior Researcher Awards, the Achievers Award from the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, and the prestigious SAMRC Gold Excellence Achievement Award in 2023.

He is also a Fellow several international academics and societies including the Royal Society of Biology, African Academy of Sciences, Academy of Sciences of South Africa, Nigerian academy of Sciences, African Academy of Sciences (AAS), and the prestigious World Academy of Sciences. He is also the Chairperson of the membership advisory committee (Biosciences) of AAS and was a member of the 2023 Cholera outbreak Advisory Panel of the Water Research Commission of South Africa.

Prof. Sakhela Buhlungu, UFH Vice-Chancellor, said Prof. Okoh?s recognition as a B1-rated researcher marks a defining moment for UFH. ?It is a powerful affirmation of the exceptional dedication within our academic community. We are immensely proud of his contribution to science and to the reputation of our institution.?

Words of Wisdom

Asked to whom he credits this remarkable accomplishment, Prof. Okoh responded: ?I owe this accomplishment primarily to the Most High God and the many wonderful students that the Good Lord has brought my way to mentor and guide, who did almost all the data collections; the Postdocs and academics whom I have also been privileged to host and mentor; and my several collaborators in and outside South Africa. More importantly, these accomplishments would not have been possible without the incredible support of my funders, especially the SAMRC, the Water Research Commission, the National Research Foundation, Department of Science and Technology, and the University of Fort Hare amongst others.?

To young scholars and aspiring researchers, Prof. Okoh offers this advice: ?Work hard and smart; be humble, even in greatness as that is the hallmark of the academia; publish your works in quality journals and don?t be desperate for leadership positions, as it will affect your research and productivity. Build your career first and make yourself competitive anywhere in the world. There is time for everything!? (Adapted from the official website of the University of Fort Hare)

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