The Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in collaboration with the Faculty’s Publication Visibility Committee, recently held a one-day symposium aimed at promoting research excellence and encouraging scholars to publish in high-impact academic journals at the Zephaniah Madubuko Auditorium.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Ezenwa, applauded members of staff who have demonstrated outstanding performance in research and publication. He announced that the faculty identified 54 top performers and promised continued recognition for first, second, and third positions across various categories.
One of the keynote speakers, Prof. Ebele Nwokoye, highlighted the importance of publishing in high-impact journals, stressing that globally visible research helps enhance both institutional reputation and personal academic growth. She emphasized the need for meticulous research, innovation, and respect for participants’ rights.
Also speaking, Prof. Chidozie Nwafor, one of the top beneficiaries of the publication awards, encouraged students and staff to engage in meaningful research, noting that “information is always incomplete until thoroughly investigated.” He reiterated that every publication presents new opportunities for further inquiry.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bond Anyaehie commended the faculty for its commitment to academic excellence. He described the Faculty of Social Sciences as “very dear” to his heart and reaffirmed the University’s dedication to improving the welfare of staff and students.
The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Anyaehie bestowed an award of excellence to four members of the faculty of social sciences for being the highest published scholars in the Scopus indexed journals in their ranks in the faculty of social sciences.
For the Professorial cadre, Prof Chidozie Edwin Nwafor from the Department of Psychology, emerged the overall best with the cash award.
For the senior lecturer rank, two lecturers emerged joint top, Dr Chukwuma Roland Okoli from the Department of Political Science, and Dr Benedict Ikemefuna Uzoechina from the Department of Economics were awarded. Also, Dr. Paschal Chukwuma Ugwu from the Department of Psychology was the highest published scholar in the rank of Lecturer 1, and was also presented with the award.
Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Michael Ezenwa bestowed the Dean’s award to the 17 members of the faculty of social sciences for being the best three in their ranks that have their papers published in the Scopus indexed journals. The awardees were selected from different ranks. Specifically, 3 most published scholars in each rank from Professorial, Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer 1, Lecturer 11 and 1 person from Assistant lecturer cardre.
For the Professorial rank, the 3 most published scholars are
1. Prof. Chidozie Edwin Nwafor
2. Prof. Obiajulu Anthony U. Nnedum
3. Prof. Michael O. Ezenwa.
In the Reader/Associate Professor rank, the following faculty members were awarded:
1. Dr. Blessing Nonye Onyima
2. Dr. Chiamaka O. Joe-Akunne
3. Dr. Charles O. Anazonwu.
In the senior lecturer rank, the following were awarded:
1. Dr. Chukwuma Roland Okoli
2. Dr. Benedict Ikemefuna Uzoechina
3. Dr. Geraldine Ejiaka Nzeribe
4. Dr. Augustine E. Onyishi
For the Lecturer 1 rank,
1. Dr. Paschal Chukwuma Ugwu
2. Dr. Henry Chigozie Duru
3. Dr. Ngozi Emmanuel
In the Lecturer 11 rank,
1. Sule Muhammed
2. Chijindu Queen Okeke
3. Anthony Obi Okeke.
For the Assistant lecturer rank, only one person has a paper in the Scopus indexed journal
1. Kenneth O. Ogbu
Prof. Anyaehie further announced that beginning in 2026, the University will increase the award for the best researcher in the university to ₦1 million, a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s research culture and motivating staff toward greater academic productivity.
The symposium ended with renewed enthusiasm among participants to pursue high-quality research and contribute meaningfully to global scholarship.
