Effective date: 25 October 2025
This page explains WARJMB’s policy and procedures for issuing retraction notices, expressions of concern, and corrections (errata/corrigenda). WARJMB follows international best practice (COPE guidance) to ensure the integrity, transparency, and reliability of the scholarly record.
Purpose
Retraction notices preserve the integrity of the literature by clearly identifying content that is unreliable because of error, misconduct, duplicate publication, or legal/ethical problems. WARJMB issues notices that are factual, transparent, and linked to the original item so readers and indexing services can understand the reason for the action.
Principles
- Transparency: Notices explain the reason(s) for the action without defamatory language.
- Preservation: The original article remains part of the public record; it is not removed. The article and all metadata are clearly labelled as retracted.
- Proportionality: The remedy (correction, expression of concern, or retraction) is chosen to match the severity of the problem.
- Independent decision-making: Editorial decisions are made by the Editor-in-Chief or designated editors following investigation; the publisher supports but does not override editorial independence.
- Consistency with COPE: WARJMB follows COPE flowcharts and guidance when investigating and issuing notices.
Types of post-publication notices
- Correction (Erratum / Corrigendum): For honest errors that do not invalidate the central findings (e.g., minor data or production errors).
- Expression of Concern: Issued when serious concerns have been raised and an investigation is ongoing or stalled; used to alert readers while an inquiry proceeds.
- Retraction: Issued when the findings are unreliable because of misconduct (fabrication, falsification, plagiarism), serious error, duplicate publication, or legal/ethical breaches (e.g., lack of ethical approval where required). Retractions may be initiated by authors, editors, institutions, or the publisher following investigation.
Grounds for retraction (non-exhaustive)
Retraction may be considered for reasons including, but not limited to:
- Fabrication or falsification of data or images.
- Plagiarism or substantial unattributed overlap with previously published work.
- Duplicate publication or redundant publication without proper disclosure.
- Serious breaches of research ethics (e.g., lack of required IRB approval or informed consent).
- Legal reasons (e.g., proven defamation or lawful takedown obligations).
- Irreparable errors that invalidate the article’s findings.
- Authorship disputes that cannot be resolved and materially affect the work’s integrity.
Who can raise concerns or request retraction
Concerns or requests may be raised by:
- Authors or co-authors (self-retraction or request).
- Readers, reviewers, or editorial board members.
- Institutions or funders.
- The publisher (if evidence of problems is identified).
Submit concerns by email to: editorial@warpublisher.com with subject line “Retraction concern — [article title or manuscript ID]” and include supporting evidence.
Investigation process (summary)
- Receipt and acknowledgement: The editorial office acknowledges receipt of the allegation.
- Preliminary assessment: The Editor-in-Chief or a designated editor assesses whether the concern has substance.
- Full investigation: If warranted, the journal may request raw data, ethics approvals, correspondence, and other evidence from authors and may consult reviewers, advisory editors, or the authors’ institutions. COPE guidance is followed.
- Decision: Based on the evidence, the journal issues an appropriate notice (correction, expression of concern, or retraction). The decision is recorded in journal records.
- Notification & publication: The notice is published, linked to the original article, and metadata are updated and communicated to the DOI provider (Zenedo), archiving partner (Internet Archive), and relevant indexing services. Where appropriate, authors’ institutions and funders are notified.
WARJMB treats investigations and communications confidentially while preserving the integrity of the inquiry. The nature and scope of investigations vary; the journal will keep relevant parties informed of outcomes.
Content of retraction notices
Retraction notices will:
- State who is issuing the retraction (authors, Editor-in-Chief, publisher, or a combination).
- Explain the reason(s) for retraction as clearly as possible without defamatory statements or confidential personal data.
- Indicate whether all authors agree to the retraction (if applicable) or note any dissent.
- Provide the date of retraction.
- Link to the original article and any related corrections or expressions of concern.
Appeals & author disagreement
Authors may submit written appeals or clarifications to the Editor-in-Chief if they dispute a finding. Appeals should provide substantive new evidence or corrections. Independent editorial review or escalation to an appeals committee may be used to reassess decisions. If a retraction stands despite author disagreement, the notice will state the position of the authors.
Contact for concerns about published content
To report concerns, request a correction, or discuss a possible retraction, contact the editorial office with detailed information and supporting evidence:
Editorial Office (Retraction / Corrections contact)
WEST AFRICAN RESEARCH PUBLISHER LTD (WAR Publisher)
GP753 Ankpa Quarters, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Phone: +91 9101781106
Email: editorial@warpublisher.com · contact@warpublisher.com
(Please include “Retraction concern” or “Correction request” in the email subject.)