ATBU Tops Nigeria in Innovation in 2025 Scimago Institutions Rankings

ATBU Tops Nigeria in Innovation in 2025 Scimago Institutions Rankings

By Ahmad Ahmad

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has emerged as Nigeria’s leading institution in innovation following the release of the 2025 Scimago Institutions Rankings, reinforcing its growing reputation as a centre of research excellence and technological advancement.

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According to the rankings, ATBU placed 1st in Innovation, 3rd in Research, and 6th overall nationwide, a performance widely regarded as a landmark achievement for technology-based universities in the country.

The strong showing positions ATBU firmly on Nigeria’s national innovation map and highlights the expanding role of science- and technology-driven institutions in addressing critical societal and developmental challenges.

Stakeholders reacting to the results noted that the achievement goes beyond numerical rankings, describing it as clear evidence that universities focused on science and technology are at the forefront of national transformation. In recent years, technology-based institutions have often faced skepticism about their academic depth and research impact, but ATBU’s latest performance has decisively challenged those perceptions.

ATBU’s top ranking in innovation reflects an institutional culture that prioritizes problem-solving, experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and applied research. Observers say this environment has enabled the university to translate research ideas into practical, real-world solutions, particularly in engineering, applied sciences, and technology-oriented disciplines.

The Scimago Institutions Rankings assess universities using globally recognized indicators across three key pillars: research performance, innovation output, and societal impact. ATBU’s strong performance across all three areas underscores its capacity to generate impactful knowledge while contributing to industrial development and economic growth.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Abubakar Abdullah Usman described the rankings as a clear affirmation of the value of technology-focused education, emphasizing that such institutions play a critical role in equipping graduates with future-ready skills.

Stakeholders further stressed that the results effectively silence critics who question the relevance of technology-based universities, noting that ATBU’s success demonstrates that tech-driven institutions are not optional to national progress, but essential drivers of sustainable development.

ATBU Tops Nigeria in Innovation in 2025 Scimago Institutions Rankings