Change of baton at the Nigerian Journal of Basic and Clinical Sciences

Abstract

At the last meeting of the Kano Medical Research Society, there was a change of the Editor in Chief of this journal from Dr. Musa Muhammad Borodo to myself. I have now been given the responsibility of steering the wheel of this journal. This is indeed a tough task which I am approaching with trepidation, bearing in mind the achievements that were recorded by Dr. Borodo.

Dr. Borodo nurtured this journal from its infancy to its current state. This journal went through its developmental stages under his watch. The journey was not always smooth. Previously, manuscripts were sent to reviewers by post. Reviewers also send the revised manuscript by post thus increasing the review time. Later, the journal progressed to submission and review by e‑mail. Currently, the journal has an online manuscript submission and review system hosted by MEDKNOW in India. Submission of manuscripts is now easier and the review process is faster. This leads to a short submission to publication time. The journal also currently hosts a website  (www.njbcs. net), where previous and current editions are hosted. The journal still publishes a paper version in addition to the online edition. All our publications are freely available for download from our website. All these efforts led to a greater recognition of this journal in Nigeria and abroad. Our readership and authorship is now international while the journal is increasingly being hosted by several indexing agencies. All these achievements were recorded under the able guidance of Dr. M M Borodo. He has been a promoter of intellectual excellence, his editorship of this journal being one of his efforts in that direction. While serving as his deputy, he guided me on the editorial process. In addition, he remains a clinician per excellence while also being a teacher, researcher, volunteer in community work and mentor to students, doctors and other health workers. The editorial board salutes the efforts made by him to ensure this journal reached its current state.

There are indeed many noble individuals who also contributed to the development of this journal. Their efforts signify what can be achieved by individuals when they persevere in the pursuit of human development. Another indefatigable individual who contributed immensely to the journal is the former Deputy Editor in Chief, Professor Aminu Mohammed Zakari who is the current Chief Medical Director of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano. These two individuals  (Dr.  M M Borodo and Professor A Z Mohammed), worked tirelessly for the journal. Their efforts are hereby appreciated. They have left a huge vacuum in the steering wheel of this journal. I will be assisted by the new Deputy Editor in Chief, Dr. Anas Isma’il.