Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Varsity Tops On Innovation

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has achieved academic milestones, ranking first among Nigerian universities in innovation, third in research and sixth overall among universities in the country in the 2025 SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR).

LEADERSHIP reports that SIR is a globally recognised ranking system noted for its rigorous, data-driven evaluation of academic and research institutions worldwide.

SCImago’s ranking methodology relies on verifiable composite indicators that assess institutions across three major dimensions: research performance, innovation output, and societal impact, the latter measured essentially through web visibility and inclusiveness.

The university’s director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Zailani Bappa, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

He said ATBU’s top position in the Innovation Ranking underscored its leadership in knowledge transfer, patents and technological advancement, placing the Bauchi-based institution at the forefront of applied research and technology development in Nigeria.

Bappa added that the university’s sixth overall position reflects what observers described as a balanced excellence across research productivity, innovation capacity and societal contribution.

“In the Social Rankings, ATBU placed 34th nationally, a score based on societal impact, inclusiveness, and digital visibility.

“University officials say the latest ranking is a strong indicator of ATBU’s rising profile in academic excellence, particularly in science and technology-driven research, and affirms its growing relevance within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

“This ranking places ATBU at a very high academic position of excellence in Nigeria,” the statement noted, describing the achievement as evidence of the institution’s sustained commitment to research, innovation, and national development,” he said.