Nigerian Librarians Warn of Predatory Journals in Open Access

University librarians in Nigeria have expressed alarm over the increasing proliferation of predatory journals and unethical publishing practices linked to open access publishing. This concern was articulated in a communiqué issued on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of the 114th bi-annual conference held by the Nigerian Universities Association from May 4 to 7, 2026.

The conference, themed "Managing University Libraries in the Era of Open Access Publishing: The Role of Librarians," brought together university librarians, scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of academic libraries within the evolving global knowledge ecosystem. While acknowledging the importance of open access publishing in democratizing knowledge and enhancing research visibility, participants warned that the rapid expansion of this model has created opportunities for unethical practices.

The communiqué also identified several challenges faced by Nigerian universities in implementing open access publishing, including poor ICT infrastructure, unstable electricity supply, inadequate funding, low digital literacy, and weak institutional policies. The association reaffirmed the need for certified librarians and called for the establishment of supportive policies to promote responsible research practices.