Survey of university-based journals in North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the size and distribution of university-based journals published in federal universities of North-Western Nigeria. Using an exploratory descriptive survey design, data were gathered from institutional lists, university websites, and physical serial holdings in libraries of the universities. A total of 243 journals were identified across ten universities, with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Bayero University, Kano, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto collectively accounting for more than half of the total. Social sciences, arts, and humanities dominated the disciplinary distribution, while STEM, health sciences, and agriculture accounted for smaller shares. An important finding was that most university libraries did not maintain complete holdings of the journals published in the parent institution, revealing weaknesses in distribution strategy, bibliographic control and preservation. The study concludes that although journal proliferation is evident, visibility and long-term archiving remain problematic. It recommends the establishment of institutional and national journal registries, stronger archiving practices, and total migration to digital platforms to enhance access and global recognition of the journals.