A Nigerian-born academic based in the United Kingdom, Dr. Akin Iwilade, has identified major shortcomings affecting the quality of scholarship and academic publishing among Nigerian scholars, urging a renewed focus on rigorous research practices.

Iwilade, a senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, made the remarks while speaking on “What editors and book reviewers want from scholars” at a two-day scholarship review workshop held at the University of Port Harcourt. He stressed that credible academic publishing is the outcome of thorough research built on original data, ethical standards, and appropriate methodologies.

He cautioned against over-reliance on artificial intelligence tools, newspaper sources, and exaggerated claims in research, noting that such practices weaken the credibility of scholarly work. According to him, academics should concentrate on areas where they have developed long-term expertise, as this deepens research quality and enhances publication prospects.

“Good scholarship should be the primary goal,” Iwilade said, adding that publishing in top-rated journals naturally follows when research is well-grounded. He advised scholars to prioritise producing quality, publishable work rather than chasing high-impact journal placements.

Also speaking, the Programme Director of the Social Science Research Council’s African Peacebuilding and Development Dynamics (APDD), Dr. Cyril Obi, highlighted the role of the African University Seminar Series (AUSS-Nigeria) in advancing research and nurturing scholars. He noted that the initiative has supported hundreds of African researchers through fellowships and mentorship programmes.

The workshop, which focused on improving academic writing and publication techniques, brought together scholars to review and refine research papers. Participants were encouraged to develop solution-driven studies, particularly on issues such as conflict and peacebuilding in Nigeria, while contributing to global knowledge and policy development.