AN ASSESSMENT OF DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, ABUJA

This study assesses the documentation and record management practices in the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Abuja with a view to identifying benefits that are derivable from proper records management and documentation in the organization under study. The study reviewed literature on the concepts of records, their forms as well as the lifecycle of records. It further outlined the benefits and challenges of records management and documentation. This study uses the records continuum model as its theoretical framework as it involves an investigation of the records management practices and their significance in organizational administration. The study opts for this model as compared to the other models as it delves into the specific records management practices in a continuum, beginning from when records are created to their disposal. The study purposely sampled 80 administrative staff comprising senior members (Directors), senior staff and junior staff from the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science Abuja. Flowing from the quantitative nature of the research design, structured questionnaires were used as the sole data collection instrument and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The major findings of the study revealed that the administrative documents are stored in both manual and electronic forms. This leads to quick decision making, saves office space and promotes good corporate governance. It was further indicated that there were insufficient resources in terms of professionally trained records managers, training of administrative staff and lack of office space. Therefore, it was recommended that management of Nigerian Institute of Animal Science Abuja, should embrace the records management and documentation function to ensure its effectiveness and also inject the organization with more professionally trained records managers.