Peer Review Process

All manuscripts submitted to THE INCUBATOR: Journal of Postgraduate Studies, Federal University of Lafia undergo editorial screening and peer review. The review process is designed not only to assess scientific merit, but also to safeguard research integrity. By submission, authors confirm that the work is original, has not been submitted elsewhere, has been reviewed and approved by all listed authors, complies with applicable ethical standards, and has obtained necessary ethical approvals where required.

During editorial screening, the journal evaluates whether the manuscript meets the journal’s ethical and scholarly standards. Submissions are also subject to similarity and AI checks using standard plagiarism detection tools. Manuscripts found to contain unacceptable levels of similarity or evidence of plagiarism may be rejected, and where plagiarism is discovered after publication, the journal may issue a correction or retract the article depending on the severity of the case.

The corresponding author serves as the primary point of communication between the authors and the Editorial Office throughout the review and production process. The corresponding author is responsible for coordinating responses to reviewers’ comments and editorial queries, ensuring that all revisions are accurately implemented, carefully reviewing the final galley proof before publication, and remaining responsive throughout the process. Failure to fulfil these responsibilities may delay publication.

To protect the integrity of the evaluation process, authors, reviewers, and editors are required to disclose any relationships or circumstances that could influence, or appear to influence, their objectivity. Reviewers who believe they cannot provide an impartial assessment must decline participation in the evaluation process, while editors must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where a conflict exists.

Editorial decisions are made independently and are based solely on scientific merit, originality and innovation, methodological rigour, relevance to STEM and Humanities disciplines, clarity, and scholarly contribution. The College of Postgraduate Studies and the Federal University of Lafia support the journal institutionally but do not interfere with editorial decisions. Acceptance or rejection of a manuscript is determined exclusively through the peer-review and editorial process.

Where a manuscript contains ethically sensitive, dual-use, or potentially harmful content, the journal may apply heightened scrutiny, request further clarification, seek advice from independent experts, require modifications, or decline publication where the risks outweigh the scholarly benefit.

If ethical violations or misconduct are confirmed at any stage, the journal reserves the right to take appropriate action, including rejection of the manuscript, publication of corrections or retractions, temporary or permanent submission bans, and notification of affiliated institutions or funding bodies where necessary.