Professor Anthony Okoh, a fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS) and a globally distinguished microbiologist at the University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) Faculty of Science and Agriculture, was 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. 

Global Rankings and Scholarly Impact 

Prof Okoh 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. 

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 (AAS), Academy of Sciences of South Africa, Nigerian Academy of Sciences, 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. 

Original article written by Aretha Linden and published on the University of Fort Hare’s website.