Student Involvement In Health-Related Conferences In Nigeria: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Participation in scientific conferences supports the career trajectories of healthcare students. Although these benefits are well established, student involvement in conferences in low- and middle-income countries has not been systematically examined. This scoping review mapped the extent to which health-related conferences held in Nigeria intentionally incorporated student-focused provisions. This was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported using the PRISMA ScR framework. Fully in-person and hybrid national and international health-related conferences held in Nigeria between October 2023 and September 2025 were eligible. Searches were conducted across professional association websites, conference webpages, and social media, with supplementary enquiries to organisers where required. Records were independently screened and data extracted on student invitations, registration support and other student-focused measures. Data were analysed descriptively and synthesised narratively. 80 conferences met the inclusion criteria. 54, 67.5% were national events and conducted fully in-person (58, 72.5%), mostly in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (26, 32.5%), Lagos (16, 20%), and Rivers (6, 7.5%) states. Invitations directed specifically to students were identified in 13.8% of conferences, while 7.5% included student-specific abstract presentation categories. Subsidised student registration fee was offered by 19 (23.8%) of conferences. No conferences provided bursaries, travel or accommodation support; student-led sessions. Student involvement in health-related conferences held in Nigeria during the review period was limited. The absence of student representation, combined with geographic clustering of events, constrains equitable access for students. Deliberate strategies to embed student-focused provisions within conference planning are needed to engender early career development.