Abstract:

Background The Computer Science research landscape in Nigeria has not received substantial attention tailored toward analyzing the performance of research constituents, conceptual, social, and intellectual structures. Prior studies have looked at the history of Computer Science in Nigeria without examining some key development indexes such as conceptual evolution and funding. This study aims to gather a proper perspective of the development landscape of Computer Science research in Nigeria. Methods A bibliometric analysis of 4,333 bibliographic records of Computer Science research in Nigeria in the last 31 years (1991-2021) was carried out. The bibliographic data were extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer and the bibliometrix R package through the biblioshiny web interface. The performance analysis of research constituents such as authors, sources, and affiliations, and science mapping of conceptual, social, and intellectual structures were conducted. The growth rate was determined using the compound annual growth rate formula. The future publication production trend was determined using time series analysis and the doubling time was calculated using the “Rule of 70”. Study design This study was designed to survey the development landscape of Computer Science research in the last 31 years specifically from 1991 to 2021. The specific questions answered by this study are: RQ1: What is the scientific production, growth rate, and doubling time of Computer Science research in Nigeria? RQ2: Who are the most relevant authors, sources, and institutions?  RQ3: What is the pattern of authors, institutions, and country collaboration of Computer Science research in Nigeria like? RQ4: How has Computer Science research in Nigeria evolved in the last 31 years? RQ5: Which are the most important documents in Computer Science research in Nigeria in the last 31 years?  RQ6: What is the funding pattern for Computer Science research in Nigeria? Results The findings of this study revealed that Computer Science research in Nigeria has a growth rate of 24.19%. The most developed and well-studied research areas in the Computer Science field in Nigeria are machine learning, data mining, and deep learning. Internet of Things was the topmost trended topic in Computer Science research in Nigeria in 2021. It attracted more interest than any other theme. Institutional and International collaborations have not been well-established in Computer Science research in Nigeria. The social structure analysis result revealed that there is a need for improved international collaborations. The sparsely established collaborations are largely influenced by geographic proximity. The funding analysis result showed that Computer Science research in Nigeria is under-funded. Conclusion The findings of this study will be useful for researchers conducting Computer Science related research in several ways. For example, experts can gain insights into how to develop a strategic framework that will advance the field in a more impactful manner. Scholars across the globe can quickly identify prolific authors in the field for possible collaborations. Government agencies and policymakers can also utilize the outcome of this research to develop strategies for improved funding for Computer Science research.