Years of commitment and passion for addressing critical environmental challenges through her research on chemical toxicants in water systems have earned Professor Omobola Oluranti Okoh the highly coveted National Research Foundation (NRF) C2 rating.
This recognition comes shortly after the AD (Alper-Doger) Scientific Index World Scientist and University Rankings 2025 ranked Prof Omobola Okoh, a Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry and head of the Pure and Applied Chemistry Department, among the top 50 chemical scientists in the country and number 1 at UFH.
According to the NRF, a C2 rating is awarded to an established researcher with a sustained recent record of producing a body of quality work, the core of which exhibits coherence and ongoing engagement with the field. Researchers with this rating have also demonstrated the ability to conceptualize problems and apply research methods to investigate them.
A Focus on Water Pollution and Chemical Toxicants
Prof Omobola Okoh’s work focuses on the presence and impact of chemical toxicants in aquatic environments. Water pollution, especially from harmful chemicals, poses a serious threat to ecosystems, public health, and the environment. Through her research, Prof Omobola Okoh has made significant strides in understanding how various pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, organochlorine pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, affect water quality.
Last year, she delivered the University’s 37th inaugural professorial lecture, where she shared her expertise. The lecture, titled “Troubled Waters: A Journey into the World of Chemical Toxicants in the Hydrosphere,” presented key insights into the harmful effects of chemical pollutants and their long-term impacts on both the environment and human health.
A Call for Action and Collaboration
In her inaugural lecture, Prof Omobola Okoh emphasized the need for stronger regulations around waste disposal and increased public awareness to address the growing threat of water pollution. She urged the government to enforce better waste management practices, particularly within chemical industries, and to develop national strategies for tracking and managing harmful chemical pollutants.
She also called for greater collaboration between academic institutions, government bodies, and the private sector, specifically recommending the revitalization of initiatives like the Blue/Green Drop programs, which aim to improve water quality and engage communities in water conservation efforts.
A Commitment to Both Research and Service
Prof Omobola Okoh’s career has not only been focused on academic research but also on serving the community. In addition to her work as a scientist, she is an ordained pastor who is deeply involved in supporting local communities. Her dual role as both a researcher and a community leader reflect her belief in the importance of combining education, science, and faith to make a meaningful impact.
She is a recipient of several prestigious grants, including the NRF Thuthuka Funding Instrument Award (2015-2018) and the ESKOM/Tertiary Education Support Programme Award (2015-2024).
Professor Omobola Okoh also serves as the Discipline Head of Pure and Applied Chemistry in the Department of Chemical and Earth Sciences. She is an active member of the Third World Academy of Science (TWAS) and the South African Chemical Society (SACI). Additionally, she is an established researcher in the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, as well as in the Water for Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy Research Niche Areas.
Last year, she was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s 2024 Research Award (Senior Researcher category) in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture.
With over 80 published articles and significant recognition in the academic world, the NRF rating is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her contributions and a stepping stone toward even greater achievements in the future.
A Grateful Scientist
In response to being awarded the NRF C2 rating, Prof Omobola Okoh expressed her deep gratitude and appreciation. She acknowledged the role of her family, colleagues, and UFH in her journey.
“I am very grateful for the honour and the opportunities it presents for future research,” she said. “This rating reflects years of dedication and perseverance in research excellence. It also validates the efforts I have put into advancing my knowledge and contributing to the fields of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry.”
Prof Omobola Okoh went on to highlight how this recognition will open new doors for research funding and collaborations, further advancing her work in tackling the challenges posed by water pollution.