RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN ZARIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT, KADUNA STATE- NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates Records Management Practices for the administration of Primary Schools in Zaria Local Government Kaduna State- Nigeria. The study has three objectives which include; Identify the types of records generated for the administration of primary schools in Zaria LGA, Ascertain the storage media used for records management for the administration of primary schools in Zaria LGA, Find out how records are retrieved for the administration of primary schools in Zaria LGA, Quantitative research method was used and cross sectional survey design was adopted. Population of this research consists of two hundred and thirty two (232) head teachers and assistants head teachers in all Primary Schools across the wards in Zaria LGA. Closed ended questionnaire was used as instruments for data collection for this study. The data collected for this study were presented and analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency count and simple percentage. Findings show that primary schools generate mostly enrollment, academic performance, and staff-duty records, while administrative documents such as logbooks and diaries are less common. Record storage relies heavily on manual systems such as paper files, folders, drawers, and lockers rather than digital options. Retrieval is largely based on year and subject headings. The study recommended that strengthening records management in primary schools through regular staff training. It urges a shift from paper-based storage to digital solutions such as computers, external drives, and cloud systems, supported with proper equipment and technical aid. Improved retrieval is advised through digital indexing and cataloguing.