About the Journal

Our journal aims to promote research culture and academic excellence in Africa, with a focus on scientific and technological innovations, youth empowerment, leadership development, job creation, and capacity building. We provide a platform for scholars and researchers in different fields to publish their findings and share their knowledge with the academic community.

We publish articles in a range of disciplines, including social and management sciences, computing, nursing sciences, health sciences, and law. Our School of Social & Management Sciences section welcomes papers that explore new ways to solve business problems and promote sustainable development. Our School of Computing section publishes papers on topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computer networks. Our School of Nursing Sciences section focuses on research related to nursing education, patient care, and healthcare delivery. Our School of Health Sciences section publishes articles on topics such as disease surveillance, health equity, and global health. Finally, our School of Law section welcomes papers that explore new ways to protect human rights and promote justice and equality.

Our journal is a vital component of our efforts to promote research culture, capacity building, and knowledge dissemination in Africa. We welcome high-quality research from scholars across the continent and beyond, and we are committed to providing a platform for the publication of cutting-edge research that can contribute to the social, economic, and technological development of Africa.

EDITORIAL GUIDELINES FOR MAAUN INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATIONS (MIMJRI)

1.0 Submission Preparation Checklist

Before submitting a manuscript to the MAAUN International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research and Innovations (MIMJRI), authors must ensure their work meets the following criteria:

1.1 Originality

The manuscript must be an original contribution to the field and must not have been previously published in any form (including preprint servers, conference proceedings, or institutional repositories). Submissions under review elsewhere will be rejected immediately unless formally withdrawn from other journals before submission to MIMJRI.

1.2 Plagiarism Check

All manuscripts must undergo plagiarism screening using Turnitin or iThenticate. The acceptable similarity index is ≤15% (excluding references and properly cited quotations). High plagiarism levels (>15%) will result in desk rejection or a request for revision before peer review.

1.3 Formatting Compliance

Manuscripts must strictly follow MIMJRI’s formatting guidelines (APA 7th edition for citations, Times New Roman 12pt font, double-spacing). Non-compliance may lead to return for corrections before processing.

1.4 Author Information

Full names, institutional affiliations, ORCID IDs, and email addresses of all authors must be provided. The corresponding author should be clearly designated for communication. Any changes in authorship after submission must be justified in writing.

1.5 Ethical Approval (If Applicable)

Research involving human participants, animals, or sensitive data must include:

Studies without ethical compliance will be rejected or retracted post-publication.

1.6 Conflict of Interest Declaration

Authors must disclose any financial, professional, or personal conflicts that could influence the research. If no conflicts exist, include the statement: "The authors declare no conflicts of interest."

1.7 Funding Acknowledgment

All funding sources (grants, institutional support, or industry sponsorships) must be explicitly stated in the acknowledgments section.

1.8 Supplementary Files (If Applicable)

Additional materials (datasets, code, multimedia) should be uploaded as separate files in standard formats (.xlsx, .zip, .mp4). Each file must include a brief description of its content and relevance.

2.0 Author Guidelines for MIMJRI Submissions

The MAAUN International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research and Innovations (MIMJRI) welcomes scholarly contributions across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. As an interdisciplinary publication, we seek to publish high-quality research that demonstrates methodological rigor, theoretical innovation, and practical significance. Authors preparing submissions should carefully consider the following guidelines to ensure their work meets our publication standards.

2.1 Journal Scope and Focus Areas

MIMJRI serves as a platform for cutting-edge research spanning three major domains. In the sciences, we particularly encourage submissions in engineering breakthroughs, medical research, computational innovations, and environmental sustainability solutions. Our social sciences coverage includes impactful studies in economic development, psychological research, educational methodologies, and legal scholarship. For humanities submissions, we welcome philosophical inquiries, linguistic analyses, historical research, and critical arts studies. We prioritize work that addresses contemporary global challenges while maintaining academic excellence.

2.2 Manuscript Categories and Specifications

Authors may submit their work in several distinct categories, each with specific requirements:

Original research articles should present complete investigations with robust methodologies, typically ranging between 5,000-8,000 words. These submissions must demonstrate novel findings with clear statistical or qualitative significance, contributing meaningfully to their respective fields.

Comprehensive review articles, spanning 6,000-10,000 words, should offer systematic analyses of existing literature while identifying critical knowledge gaps and proposing future research directions. These submissions must synthesize at least a decade of relevant scholarship.

For preliminary but noteworthy findings, short communications of 2,000-3,000 words provide a platform for sharing emerging research with sufficient methodological detail to support future expansion.

Case study submissions (3,000-5,000 words) should present instructive examples with clear practical applications, featuring detailed contextual information and rigorous analytical frameworks.

2.3 Structural Requirements

All submissions must begin with a concise title page featuring a descriptive yet succinct title (maximum 15 words), complete author information including affiliations and ORCID identifiers, and a 200-250 word abstract outlining research objectives, methodology, key findings, and significance. Three to five carefully selected keywords should accompany the abstract.

The main text should follow a logical structure beginning with an introduction that clearly articulates the research problem and study significance. A thorough literature review must demonstrate comprehensive understanding of existing work while justifying the current study's contribution. The methodology section requires detailed description of research design, data collection procedures, and analytical techniques, including discussion of validity and reliability considerations.

Results should be presented objectively with appropriate visual aids, followed by a discussion section interpreting findings in context of existing literature while addressing study limitations. The conclusion must summarize key findings, highlight theoretical contributions, and suggest future research directions.

3.0 Formatting Requirements for MIMJRI Submissions

To maintain consistency and professional presentation across all published works, MIMJRI requires authors to adhere to the following formatting specifications:

3.1 Document Layout and Text Formatting

All manuscripts must be prepared using Times New Roman font at 12-point size throughout the entire document. This includes the main text, references, tables, and figure captions. The document should employ double line spacing (2.0) to ensure readability and accommodate reviewer comments. We require standard 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins on all sides of the page to allow for proper printing and binding considerations. Paragraphs should be left-aligned (ragged right) with no additional spacing between paragraphs, except where section breaks occur.

3.2 Tables and Figures

Numerical data should be presented in clearly formatted tables using the table function in Word (not tabs or spaces). Each table must be numbered sequentially (Table 1, Table 2, etc.) and include a descriptive caption above the table. Figures, including charts, graphs, and images, must be submitted in high-resolution format (minimum 300 DPI) as separate files in JPEG, TIFF, or EPS formats. Figure captions should appear below the corresponding figure and be numbered consecutively throughout the manuscript.

3.3 Mathematical and Scientific Notation

All equations must be created using professional equation editing software (Microsoft Equation Editor or MathType) and numbered sequentially in parentheses at the right margin. Chemical formulas and scientific symbols should follow IUPAC conventions. Variables should appear in italics, while constants and units should be in standard font.

3.4 Reference Style Implementation

All submissions must include a minimum of 20 references with preference given to recent, relevant sources including DOI identifiers where available. The manuscript should employ Times New Roman 12-point font with double spacing and 1-inch margins throughout.

Citations and references must strictly follow APA (7th edition) formatting guidelines. In-text citations should include author last names and publication year (Haruna, 2020). The reference list should be alphabetized by author surname and include all necessary publication details, with DOIs or stable URLs provided for all electronic sources where available.

3.5 File Submission Specifications

The primary manuscript file must be submitted in Microsoft Word (.docx) format. LaTeX users may submit PDF files for initial review, but accepted manuscripts must ultimately be provided in editable Word format. Supplementary materials should be uploaded as separate files with clear labeling indicating their relationship to the main manuscript.

These formatting requirements have been established to ensure professional presentation, consistency across publications, and to facilitate the peer review process. Authors are encouraged to carefully review their submissions against these specifications before final submission to avoid delays in the review timeline. Manuscripts that significantly deviate from these guidelines may be returned for correction before entering the review process.

4.0 Copyright Notice and Intellectual Property Rights

4.1 Ownership and Licensing Terms

MIMJRI operates under a balanced copyright framework designed to protect authors' intellectual property while ensuring broad dissemination of scholarly work. Upon submission, authors affirm that the manuscript represents their original creative work and that they possess full authority to enter into this agreement. By agreeing to publish with MIMJRI, authors grant the journal first publication rights while retaining significant ownership privileges.

The journal employs a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) as its standard publishing agreement. This innovative licensing structure permits unrestricted sharing and adaptation of published work for non-commercial purposes, provided proper attribution is given to both the author(s) and MIMJRI. The non-commercial clause ensures that the academic integrity of the work is maintained while allowing for educational and research uses.

4.2 Author Rights and Permissions

Authors maintain several important rights under our copyright policy. They may freely share their final published version for scholarly purposes, including depositing in institutional repositories or academic networking platforms. However, commercial reuse or republication in other venues requires explicit permission from MIMJRI's editorial board. The journal recognizes that authors frequently need to incorporate their own published material in future works; therefore, reasonable self-archiving and self-citation are permitted without requiring additional permissions.

4.3 Third-Party Content Requirements

For manuscripts containing copyrighted material from other sources (including figures, tables, or extended quotations), authors bear full responsibility for obtaining and documenting permission from the original copyright holders. These permissions must cover both print and digital formats and should be submitted along with the manuscript. Proper attribution must be given to all third-party content, clearly indicating the original source and copyright status.

4.4 Enforcement and Violation Policies

MIMJRI takes copyright infringement seriously and employs multiple safeguards. All submissions undergo rigorous plagiarism screening, and any suspected violations will result in immediate investigation. In cases where copyright infringement is confirmed post-publication, the journal reserves the right to retract the article and notify relevant institutions. Authors found to have violated copyright policies may be prohibited from future submissions.

4.5 Author Warranties and Liabilities

By submitting to MIMJRI, authors warrant that their work does not infringe upon any existing copyrights, contains no libelous material, and complies with all applicable research ethics standards. Authors assume full liability for any copyright violations or other legal issues arising from their submissions. The journal requires corresponding authors to sign a copyright agreement form upon manuscript acceptance, confirming these understandings and transferring specific publication rights to MIMJRI.

This comprehensive copyright framework is designed to protect all parties while facilitating the ethical dissemination of scholarly knowledge. Authors with specific concerns about copyright or licensing are encouraged to contact the editorial office prior to submission for clarification. The journal remains committed to balancing author rights with the academic community's need for access to quality research.

5.0 Privacy Statement and Data Protection Protocol

5.1 Data Collection and Usage Framework

MIMJRI adheres to stringent privacy principles governing the collection, processing, and storage of personal information. During the submission and editorial process, the journal collects necessary personal data including author names, institutional affiliations, contact details, and ORCID identifiers solely for publication-related purposes. This information enables essential communications throughout the peer review process, facilitates proper attribution of published works, and supports the creation of accurate academic records. The journal maintains a transparent data processing register documenting all personal information collected, its specific purposes, and retention timelines.

5.2 Confidentiality Safeguards

The implementation of robust security measures ensures the protection of sensitive personal data against unauthorized access or disclosure. All electronic systems employ encryption protocols for data transmission and storage, while physical records are secured in access-controlled environments. A strict need-to-know principle governs internal data access, with only designated editorial staff handling identifiable information. The double-blind peer review process creates a protective barrier where author identities remain concealed from reviewers, and reviewer identities remain confidential from authors throughout the evaluation phase.

5.3 Third-Party Data Sharing Restrictions

MIMJRI maintains a strict non-disclosure policy regarding author and reviewer personal information. No identifiable data is shared with external organizations except when absolutely necessary for indexing purposes with approved academic databases, or when required by legal authorities through proper due process. The journal utilizes anonymized metadata for analytical purposes and never commercializes or shares contact information with marketing entities. In cases where manuscript processing involves external editorial services (such as language editing), data sharing occurs only after obtaining explicit author consent.

5.4 Data Retention and Disposition Policy

Personal information associated with published articles is retained indefinitely to maintain the scholarly record and facilitate proper attribution. For manuscripts that are rejected or withdrawn, all personal data is securely archived for a period of three years to address potential disputes or follow-up inquiries, after which it undergoes secure deletion. Authors may request access to their stored personal data or submit erasure requests in accordance with applicable data protection regulations, with such requests evaluated against the journal's obligation to maintain the integrity of the academic record.

5.5 Rights and Recourse Mechanisms

Individuals whose data is processed by MIMJRI retain several fundamental rights under our privacy framework. These include the right to request access to their personal information, seek corrections to inaccurate data, and obtain confirmation about how their information is being used. The journal has established clear procedures for addressing privacy concerns or potential breaches, including designated contacts within the editorial office and institutional oversight bodies. In the unlikely event of a data security incident, affected parties will be notified promptly with full transparency about the nature and scope of the breach, along with mitigation measures being implemented.

This comprehensive privacy framework reflects MIMJRI's commitment to ethical information practices that comply with international standards including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant data protection laws. The journal regularly reviews and updates its privacy policies to address evolving technological and regulatory landscapes, ensuring continuous protection of all stakeholders' personal information throughout the scholarly communication process.

6.0 Information Clause: Data Processing Agreement

6.1 Purpose and Legal Basis of Data Processing

MIMJRI processes authors' personal data under the legal framework of contractual necessity and legitimate academic interest to facilitate the publication process. The collection of personal information including names, affiliations, contact details, and ORCID identifiers serves essential functions such as manuscript correspondence, peer review administration, and proper attribution of published works. This processing aligns with global data protection regulations, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European Union contributors, ensuring all data handling meets international privacy standards.

6.2 Scope of Collected Information

The journal systematically gathers several categories of personal data throughout the submission-to-publication workflow. Mandatory fields include complete author names for byline accuracy, institutional affiliations for credibility verification, professional email addresses for editorial communications, and ORCID identifiers for persistent digital identification. Optional information such as Twitter handles or personal websites may be collected when authors choose to include them for enhanced academic networking opportunities. For payment processing, financial data is handled through secure third-party payment gateways with no direct storage by MIMJRI's systems.

6.3 Data Retention Periods

Personal data associated with published articles remains archived indefinitely as part of the permanent scholarly record, maintaining the integrity of academic attribution. Unpublished manuscripts and their related personal information enter a controlled retention schedule - active submissions are maintained for the duration of the review process, rejected manuscripts for three years to address potential appeals or disputes, and withdrawn submissions for one year. These retention periods balance operational needs with privacy principles, after which secure data erasure procedures are implemented following industry-standard sanitization protocols.

6.4 Recipient Disclosure Policy

Author information follows a strictly controlled disclosure protocol throughout the publication journey. During peer review, only anonymized manuscript content is shared with reviewers while the editorial team maintains access to full submission details. Upon acceptance, author names, affiliations, and contact details become publicly available in the published work. The journal may share minimal necessary metadata with abstracting and indexing services to enhance article discoverability, but never sells or transfers personal data to commercial third parties. In exceptional circumstances involving suspected academic misconduct, relevant information may be disclosed to institutional authorities following due process.

6.5 Author Rights and Exercising Control

Contributors maintain several rights regarding their personal data under MIMJRI's policy. These include the right to request access to stored information, seek rectification of inaccurate details, and in certain circumstances, request erasure or processing restrictions. Authors may obtain their personal data in structured, machine-readable format for transfer to other services, and always retain the right to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities. The journal has established clear procedures for exercising these rights, including a dedicated privacy officer contact point and standardized request forms to ensure prompt, consistent responses to all data-related inquiries.

6.6 Implementation and Compliance Measures

MIMJRI maintains ongoing compliance through regular privacy impact assessments and staff training programs. The journal's data protection officer conducts annual audits of information handling practices, while all editorial team members complete mandatory GDPR and research ethics training. Technical safeguards include enterprise-grade encryption for data transmission, role-based access controls to personal information, and secure backup protocols. The information clause undergoes biennial review to incorporate evolving legal requirements and technological advancements in data protection, with version history publicly available in the journal's archive for full transparency.

7.0 Submission and Publication Process

  1. Submission Procedure

MIMJRI follows a structured and transparent workflow to ensure the efficient handling of manuscripts while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Authors are required to submit their work exclusively through the journal's dedicated e-mail – mimjri@maaun.edu.ng, or online submission portal – www.iaherijournal.maaun.edu.ng, which provides a secure and organized platform for file uploads, communication, and progress tracking. This system ensures all submissions are processed systematically while maintaining confidentiality and editorial integrity.

  1. Peer Review Process

The peer review process adheres to a double-blind model, where the identities of both authors and reviewers remain confidential to uphold impartiality and fairness. Typically, the review period spans between four to eight (4 – 8) weeks, though manuscripts requiring specialized evaluation may take longer. Authors can expect one of three possible outcomes following review: 1) outright acceptance, 2) conditional acceptance pending revisions, or 3) rejection accompanied by constructive feedback to guide future submissions.

  1. Article Processing Charge (APC)

To support open-access publishing, MIMJRI applies the following APCs upon manuscript acceptance:

This fee covers editorial processing, typesetting, indexing, and long-term digital preservation, ensuring your work is freely accessible worldwide.

  1. Open Access Policy

As a diamond open-access publication, MIMJRI guarantees that all accepted articles are immediately available to the global research community under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). This approach safeguards author copyrights while maximizing the dissemination and impact of published research.

  1. Post-Acceptance Steps

Following manuscript acceptance, authors receive formal notification along with several important documents: an official acceptance letter, a copyright transfer agreement, detailed instructions for APC payment, and final proofs for review prior to publication. These steps ensure transparency and author involvement throughout the production process.

  1. Contact Information

For submission inquiries, review updates, or technical support, contact:

Editorial Office: editoriaheri@maaun.edu.ng

Journal Website: www.iaherijournal.maaun.edu.ng  

We appreciate your contribution to MIMJRI and look forward to collaborating in advancing global research and innovation.

Journal Identifiers

ISSN: 3027 - 0294

DOI: 10.59479/jiaheri