ADOPTION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND SERVICES IN KADUNA STATE UNIVERSITY REGISTRY, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study explored the adoption of Information Technology (IT) for effective records
management systems and services in developing-country university settings, with a specific
focus on the Registry of Kaduna State University, Nigeria. Information technology has
substantially reshaped the records management life cycle, yet many university registries in
developing countries continue to rely on limited or underutilized IT infrastructure. Guided by
two research questions (1) what types of IT are available for records management in the
Registry, and (2) what challenges affect their adoption the study employed a quantitative, crosssectional survey design. The target population comprised all 46 staff of the Kaduna State
University Registry, and a total enumeration (census) technique was used, given the small and
manageable population size. Data were collected using a self-developed, closed-ended
questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). Findings
revealed that computers (91.3%) and cameras (91.3%) were the most widely available IT
devices, followed by scanners (86.9%) and compact disks (86.9%), while biometric devices
(36.9%) were the least available. Regarding challenges, lack of a clear management policy on
IT adoption for records management emerged as the most significant barrier (97.8%), followed
by lack of ICT devices (78.2%), lack of ICT skills among staff (54.3%), staff attitude toward
IT use (43.4%), and incompatibility of available devices with records management practice
(36.9%). The study concludes that IT adoption for records management in the Registry remains
basic and underdeveloped, with available devices used more for routine records creation than for comprehensive, policy-guided records management. The study recommends the
development of a clear institutional IT and records management policy, sustained funding for
ICT infrastructure, and targeted staff training.