Artificial Intelligence Disclosure in Academic Publishing: Implications for Educational Management and Research Policy in Nigerian Higher Education

Abstract

The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot has altered the practice of scholarly writing and, with it, the ethical architecture of academic publishing. In response, a growing number of international publishers and editorial bodies now require authors to disclose whether, how, and for what purpose AI tools were used in preparing a manuscript. This conceptual paper examines that emerging global norm and argues that Nigerian higher education institutions and their affiliated journals have yet to develop comparable disclosure requirements, leaving a policy vacuum with implications for research integrity, authorship accountability, and institutional reputation. Drawing on institutional theory and the diffusion of innovation perspective, the paper situates Nigeria's non-adoption within broader patterns of policy diffusion and organizational change, and reviews Nigeria-specific evidence of both AI adoption and the absence of governing frameworks. The paper concludes by proposing a policy framework that Nigerian universities, journal editors, and regulatory bodies could adapt, and offers recommendations for educational managers responsible for research governance. As a non-empirical, conceptual contribution, the paper does not test hypotheses but synthesizes existing scholarship and policy documents to advance a research agenda and a practical governance model for Nigerian higher education.