Dr. Gever Verlumun, a distinguished Mass Communication lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, continues to uphold his status as Nigeria’s foremost communication scholar, as affirmed by his prolific contributions to Scopus-indexed journals.
According to the latest data from the Scopus Scival author ranking, updated on January 7, 2024, Dr. Verlumun’s consistent publication record from 2020 to 2023 has solidified his position at the forefront of Nigerian academia. Scopus, a widely respected indexing and citation database, meticulously assesses and indexes scholarly works, including journals, books, and conference proceedings, setting the benchmark for global research standards.
Verlumun’s ascent in the rankings is notable, having progressed from 161st place last year to an impressive 91st position this year, maintaining his esteemed standing as the preeminent communication scholar in Nigeria.
His closest contender, Dr. Destiny Apuke of Taraba State University, Jalingo, also demonstrated commendable progress, advancing from 492nd place to 220th, securing the position of Nigeria’s second-ranked communication scholar. Furthermore, the inclusion of Associate Professor Felix Talabi of Redeemer’s University, Ede, at 469th place underscores the growing recognition of communication scholars in Nigeria’s academic landscape.
Noteworthy shifts in the rankings include the displacement of former top scholar, Prof. Isaac Fayomi of Bells University of Technology, Ogun State, by medical Professor Viroj Wiwanitit of Joseph Ayobabalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, who now claims the prestigious first place. Prof. Fayomi now occupies the 12th position in the rankings.
The dominance of scholars in the sciences within the top 500 list is evident, with limited representation from the arts, social, and management sciences.
Verlumun and Apuke’s breakthrough last year marked a significant milestone for communication scholars, previously absent from the rankings, highlighting the evolving landscape of academic excellence in Nigeria.
