Assessment of Information Governance Availability and Protection Principles in Records Management: A Qualitative Study of Four Selected Federal Universities in Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

This study assesses the implementation of Information Governance Availability and Protection
Principles in records management across four selected federal universities in Northwestern
Nigeria. Using a qualitative multiple case study approach, semi-structured interviews were
conducted with eight records management experts, including Deputy Registrars, Archivists, senior
registry staff, and a University Librarian. Data were transcribed using AI tools and analyzed
deductively within a pre-conceptual framework. Findings revealed challenges with the Availability
Principle, including limited records inventory, staff attitudes, storage constraints, inconsistent
retrieval practices, and the absence of formal access policies, despite some successes in
standardized arrangements and catalog use. Regarding the Protection Principle, the findings
highlighted that protective strategies for electronic records, such as IT support and password
systems, were robust, whereas physical records relied on basic secured storage measures.
However, gaps were identified, including the absence of CCTV, monitoring teams, and
inconsistent disaster preparedness plans. The study concludes that while strengths exist,
deficiencies hinder full alignment with best practices. It is recommended that the universities
studied engage in comprehensive staff training, implement standardized records arrangement
processes, improve storage facilities, conduct regular sensitization, and establish formal access
policies to enhance security, efficiency, and consistency in records management.