About the Journal

Peer-Reviewed Open Access AnnuaLly Journal

Unizik Journal of Social Policy (UJSP)

The Unizik Journal of Social Policy (UJSP) is a premier, peer-reviewed, biannual academic publication spearheaded by the Institute of Social Policy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. UJSP is dedicated to advancing rigorous intellectual discourse and evidence-based research, serving as a critical platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners tackling contemporary socio-economic and institutional challenges.

Publication Frequency 1 Issue / Year (Annually)
Review Model Double-Masked Peer Review
Plagiarism Limit ≤ 20% Similarity Index
Express Publishing 24 Hours Post-APC Payment
Google Scholar Indexed All Articles are Scholar Indexed
DOI Compliance Zenodo Issued DOIs
Editorial Standards and Audience

Committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, UJSP employs a rigorous double-blind peer-review process to ensure the dissemination of impactful, original scholarship. The journal bridges the gap between academic theory and practical policymaking, providing invaluable insights for researchers, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and government agencies across Africa and globally.

UJSP Peer Review Process

All submitted manuscripts undergo double-masked peer review and similarity checks. Complete anonymity of reviewers and authors is maintained throughout evaluation.

STAGE 1

Evaluation of Manuscript

The Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor evaluates the manuscript to ensure full compliance with the journal's scope and formatting standards.

STAGE 2

Plagiarism Check

Manuscripts with 20% or below similarity index progress to peer review. Manuscripts exceeding 20% are returned for revision.

STAGE 3

Peer Review

Evaluated by an Associate Editor and independent subject experts assessing analytical rigour, empirical validity, and originality.

STAGE 4

Final Publication

Accepted manuscripts are published online exactly 24 hours following the payment of the article processing fee.

IJCEE Publication Ethics

The IJCEE publication ethics policy outlines standards for editors, peer reviewers, and authors to ensure absolute compliance with international publishing benchmarks.

EDITORS & REVIEWERS

Responsibilities

  • ✓ Accept review assignments only within their core areas of economic and business expertise.
  • ✓ Ensure each manuscript conforms strictly to the journal's submission policies.
  • ✓ Complete manuscript peer evaluations within the designated timeframe.
  • ✓ Guarantee that the review process remains objective and free from personal bias.
  • ✓ Maintain strict confidentiality regarding unpublished data and research concepts.
  • ✓ Avoid utilizing submitted research material for personal or professional gain.
  • ✓ Provide constructive feedback and recommend necessary methodological corrections.
  • ✓ Verify that all empirical models, citations, and data sources are properly referenced.
  • ✓ Assess novelty, statistical validity, analytical depth, and practical policy contributions.
  • ✓ Issue decisive editorial recommendations backed by clear justification.
AUTHORS

Responsibilities

  • ✓ Present original research featuring significant analytical or practical contributions.
  • ✓ Adhere strictly to the journal's formatting and submission rules.
  • ✓ Confirm that the manuscript has not been published elsewhere.
  • ✓ Refrain from simultaneous submission to other journals during peer review.
  • ✓ Guarantee the accuracy and integrity of underlying empirical data.
  • ✓ List as co-authors only individuals who contributed significantly to the study.
  • ✓ Retain and supply raw econometric/survey dataset files when requested by editors.
  • ✓ Request post-publication modifications or errata within 24 hours of online release.
  • ✓ Follow formal procedures to appeal editorial decisions when submitting revised work.
  • ✓ Fulfill the required Article Processing Charge upon formal acceptance.

Core Scope and Thematic Focus

The journal welcomes high-quality theoretical, methodological, and empirical contributions that address complex societal issues. Key areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Social Protection & Welfare: Designing, implementing, and evaluating social safety nets and welfare systems.

  • Local Governance & Administration: Analyzing decentralization, community-level administration, and institutional effectiveness.

  • Public Financial Management: Examining fiscal transparency, resource allocation, budgeting, and public accountability.

  • Poverty & Inequality: Investigating structural drivers of economic disparity and inclusive growth strategies.

  • Comparative Social & Public Policy: Cross-national and cross-regional policy evaluations and reform analyses.

  • Sustainable Development: Intersections between social policy, human development, and environmental sustainability.