Management of records in Nigerian universities: Problems and prospects

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the management of records in Nigerian universities, in line with the Management Information Systems (MIS) programme put in place in federal universities by the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National University Commission to ensure effective and efficient decision making, based on available data.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the management of records in Nigerian universities.

Findings

The study reveals that records management programmes or policy on records are not available in Nigerian universities; hence the administration of records is without recourse to the principles of records management. There is no University Records Manual, no records retention and disposition schedule, personnel handling the records are not trained in records management, inadequate facilities for the preservation, storage, and retrieval of records, no filing manual, inadequate computers to manage the volume of records generated and the attitude of administrators towards records and records management constitute the problems of records management in Nigerian universities.

Originality/value

The article notes a number of recommendations made to improving records management practices in Nigerian universities. The university management and administrators and personnel handling the records should develop a positive attitude towards records and implement records management programmes in Nigerian universities. Records have “life”, and should be allowed to live through their life cycle process. Above all, the use of these records in solving problems and taking far‐reaching decision, will reduce crises in Nigerian universities.

Citation

Basil Iwhiwhu, E. (2005), "Management of records in Nigerian universities: Problems and prospects", The Electronic Library, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 345-355. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470510603741