Conceptual illustration of Nigerian academic navigating journal publication choices.

Navigating Journal Selection: A Nigerian Medics' Guide to Publication Success

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock the secrets to choosing the right academic journal and overcoming barriers to publishing in Nigeria's medical field."

In the demanding world of academia, the pressure to "publish or perish" is a constant reality, especially in Nigeria. Despite this pressure, academic productivity remains a challenge. Identifying and addressing the barriers to academic writing is crucial, but even after overcoming these hurdles, authors face the dilemma of where to publish their work.

A recent study delved into the perceived barriers to academic writing and the factors that influence journal selection among Nigerian academics. Researchers aimed to understand these determinants to help improve publication rates and foster a more supportive environment for academic writing. The study focused on academics who had published at least one paper in a peer-reviewed journal in the preceding year.

The study used an online, self-administered questionnaire to gather data from Nigerian medical academics. The questionnaire assessed various aspects, including the determinants of journal choice, perceived barriers to publication, the number of publications in the preceding year (as a measure of academic productivity), and the highest publication fee authors were willing to pay.

Key Factors Influencing Journal Choice Among Nigerian Medics

Conceptual illustration of Nigerian academic navigating journal publication choices.

The study revealed several important insights into the factors that Nigerian medical academics consider when choosing a journal for publication. Indexing emerged as the most significant determinant, with 35.5% of respondents highlighting its importance. This suggests that academics prioritize journals that are widely recognized and indexed in reputable databases.

Other important factors included impact factor and the prestige of the journal. However, ease of submission was the least important factor, indicating that academics are willing to navigate complex submission processes for the sake of publishing in a high-quality journal. Interestingly, the study found that junior faculty members (lecturers) were more concerned about the impact factor and prestige of journals, while senior lecturers and professors prioritized indexing.

Indexing: The journal's presence in major databases.
Impact Factor: A measure of the journal's influence.
Prestige: The journal's reputation in the field.
Submission Ease: How simple the publication process is.

The study also identified unfriendly environments as a major barrier to publication. A substantial 46% of respondents cited this as a significant obstacle. This encompasses factors such as lack of mentoring, limited access to funding, and delayed reviews. To enhance academic productivity, universities should focus on cultivating a more supportive and conducive environment for research and writing.

Creating a Supportive Environment for Academic Success

This study underscores the importance of indexing and a supportive research environment in fostering academic productivity among Nigerian medical academics. By addressing the identified barriers and prioritizing journal indexing, universities can empower their faculty members to achieve greater success in publishing their research. Fostering collaboration and mentorship can substantially increase publication rates.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.11604/pamj.2015.21.148.6534, Alternate LINK

Title: Determinants Of Journal Choice Among Nigerian Medics

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Pan African Medical Journal

Publisher: Pan African Medical Journal

Authors: Nwhator Solomon Olusegun, Agbaje Maarufah Olayinka, Soroye Modupe, Isiekwe Gerald Ikenna

Published: 2015-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What does 'indexing' mean in the context of academic journal selection, and why is it so important?

Indexing refers to the presence of a journal in major databases like PubMed, Scopus, or Web of Science. Indexing is crucial because it enhances the visibility and accessibility of published articles, making them discoverable by a wider audience. Prioritizing journals with strong indexing increases the likelihood that the research will be read, cited, and contribute meaningfully to the field. The study showed it was the most significant determinant, with 35.5% of respondents highlighting its importance.

What is the 'impact factor' of a journal, and why do academics, especially junior faculty, care about it?

The impact factor is a metric that reflects the average number of citations received by articles published in a journal. It's often used as a measure of a journal's influence and prestige within its field. A higher impact factor generally indicates that the journal publishes influential research. Junior faculty members place greater emphasis on this due to its implications for career advancement and recognition. The study found junior faculty members (lecturers) were more concerned about the impact factor and prestige of journals, while senior lecturers and professors prioritized indexing.

What do you mean by the 'prestige' of a journal, and how does it influence where researchers choose to publish?

Prestige refers to the reputation and standing of a journal within the academic community. Publishing in a prestigious journal can enhance an author's credibility and visibility. Prestige is often linked to a journal's impact factor, editorial board, and history of publishing significant research. While prestige is valued, the study found that indexing was more important. The study found junior faculty members (lecturers) were more concerned about the impact factor and prestige of journals, while senior lecturers and professors prioritized indexing.

What does 'submission ease' refer to when choosing a journal, and how important is it compared to other factors?

Submission ease refers to the simplicity and user-friendliness of a journal's submission process, including factors like the clarity of guidelines, the efficiency of the online system, and the responsiveness of the editorial staff. Though a straightforward submission process can save time and reduce frustration, the study indicated that Nigerian medical academics prioritize other factors like indexing and impact factor over submission ease. Academics are willing to navigate complex submission processes for the sake of publishing in a high-quality journal.

What are 'unfriendly environments' in the context of academic publishing, and how do they act as barriers?

Unfriendly environments encompass various factors, such as a lack of mentoring, limited access to funding, and delayed reviews. These conditions can significantly impede academic productivity by creating obstacles to research and writing. Addressing these barriers requires universities to cultivate a more supportive and conducive environment for research and writing, fostering collaboration, and providing adequate resources and mentorship. The study identified unfriendly environments as a major barrier to publication. A substantial 46% of respondents cited this as a significant obstacle.