NAS Hosts Virtual Workshop On Predatory Academic Practices (PAPs)

The Nigerian Academy of Science commissioned an expert committee to conduct a consensus study on predatory academic practices (PAPs) in Nigeria. As part of the study, the committee hosted a stakeholders’ workshop on predatory academic practices in Nigeria. The virtual workshop, which was held on Wednesday the 6th of September 2023, discussed the science research publishing landscape in Nigeria, including the drivers of PAPs in the Nigerian context.

The workshop started with welcome remarks by the consensus study committee chairman, Professor Oye Gureje FAS. Other members of the committee moderated various sessions of the workshop. Professor Friday Okonofua FAS (Editor-In-Chief, African Journal of Reproductive Health) delivered the lead presentation on the research publishing landscape in Nigeria including the issues, challenges, and prospects.
The second session was moderated by Professor Yakubu Ochefu, Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Letters (Member, Expert Committee on Predatory Academic Practices and Nigeria/ Secretary- General Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU)). Professor Idowu Olayinka FAS, (former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan) gave a presentation on the evolution of predatory publishing in Nigeria including the current trends and unique drivers. This session also featured a panel discussion on the knowledge, prevailing attitudes, and roles of stakeholders in addressing predatory publishing with presentations from Professor Chinedum Babalola FAS (Vice- Chancellor, Chrisland University, Abeokuta), Professor Joseph Ahaneku FAS (representing National Universities Commission), Professor Ayandiji Aina (Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, Babcock University), and Professor Yetunde Zaid (University Librarian, University of Lagos).

The third session, which was moderated by Professor Grace Gbotosho FAS (Member, Expert Committee on Predatory Academic Practices and Nigeria/ University of Ibadan), was a panel discussion on governing academic research in Nigeria. This session had presentations from Professor Bolanle Oboh (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics & Research, University of Lagos), Professor Jibril Alhassan (University Librarian, Federal University of Kashere), Professor Emmanuel Ameh FAS (Editor-in-Chief, Journal of West African College of Surgeons), and Professor Charles Ogbulogo (Vice-Chancellor, Maduka University).

The last session was chaired by Professor Ayodeji Olukoju, Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Letters (Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Chrisland University, Abeokuta) and it featured discussions and agreements on key recommendations for stemming the tide of predatory publishing in Nigeria. The workshop participants included some Fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Science, the National Universities Commission (NUC), vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities, provosts and deans of postgraduate schools and colleges, university librarians, journal editors, the Committee of Vice- Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Committee of Provosts and Deans of Postgraduate Colleges and Schools (CPDPGCS) in Nigeria, and early career researchers (ECRs).