AUTHORSHIP PATTERN IN PUBLICATION PRODUCTIVITY OF COMPUTER SCIENCE RESEARCHERS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The research investigates the trends, challenges, and factors that influence the authorship patterns
and publication productivity of computer science researchers in Nigerian universities. Data
collected from the publications produced within the period of 2005 to 2014 indicates that
collaborative authorship is the dominant trend; a small research team consisting of two or three
authors has produced the majority of the publications. This reflects the multidisciplinary nature of
computer science and the need for diverse expertise to address complex research challenges.
Larger teams, though less common, make significant contributions in emerging fields such as
artificial intelligence and machine learning. Key findings place institutional factors at the center,
including funding and technological infrastructure, in shaping research productivity. Limited
resources in most universities in Nigeria make necessary international collaborations, which can
also sometimes be a source of unequal authorship. Likewise, the participation of women, whether
in number or in relevant author positions, is minor compared to that of men-a situation that
underlines further the issue of diversity and inclusion. Moreover, early-career researchers, despite
playing pivotal roles in publications, often face challenges in gaining due recognition that affects
their career trajectories. The study concludes that addressing these challenges requires targeted
interventions, including increased funding, improved access to research infrastructure, and the
implementation of fair authorship policies. Promoting gender equity and supporting early-career
researchers are critical for enhancing inclusivity and sustaining research productivity. By adopting
these measures, Nigerian universities are better positioned to make valuable contributions to
computer science research efforts globally and promote a more equitable academic environment.