The presentation and discussion were aimed at highlighting some of the major challenges researchers in Africa face when it comes to research visibility and how to overcome them.
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of KASU, Prof. Abdullahi I. Musa, began by appreciating the presence of the guest presenter. He reminded everyone of the renewed mandate of moving the University forward, taking the necessary steps, and doing things differently. This new approach, as explained by the VC, has seen the pouring in of invitations from various agencies and organizations, who are willing to collaborate with KASU in the quest to take things to a whole new level.
The guest presenter, Dr Tom Olyhoek, a PhD holder in molecular microbiology from Amsterdam University, is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). The DOAJ mission, as explained by Dr. Tom, is to increase the visibility, accessibility, reputation, usage, and impact of quality, peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly research journals globally, regardless of discipline, geography, or language.
The pressure to publish in prestigious subscription journals, as described by the presenter, affects scholars worldwide. This challenge is even more intensified for African scholars. However, DOAJ represents a beacon of hope and is leading the way in making research more accessible worldwide.
Dr. Olyhoek said DOAJ offers unlimited opportunities for researchers and authors to reach their targeted audience and beyond. This in turn will boost their research publicity and unlock more windows for collaborations with local and foreign bodies.
He concluded by soliciting ambassadors in Nigeria who would be tasked with promoting the increase in the number of local journals in DOAJ in the country.
The interaction ended with questions from participants, most of which were answered by the guest presenter.
Also in attendance during the presentation were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic, Prof. Yusha'u Ango, The Registrar, Samira Balarabe, Esq, the University Librarian, Dr. Babangida Umar Dangani, among other Professors, academics and staff of the University.
