THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT ACHIEVERS UNIVERSITY OWO: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The transition from traditional paper-based systems to Electronic Records Management (ERM) is critical for enhancing efficiency, security, and compliance in higher education institutions. This study examines the implementation of Electronic Record Management at Achievers University Owo (AUO), focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated with its adoption. Using a quantitative approach, the research collected data from 50 staff members through questionnaires. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) guided the analysis, emphasizing factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Findings revealed that AUO employs a hybrid system of manual and electronic records management, with 84% of respondents acknowledging its use. However, significant gaps were identified, including inadequate staff training (60% disagreement), inconsistent record classification (44% strongly disagreed with systematic retrieval), and weak policy enforcement (40% unaware of formal policies). Key challenges included insufficient ICT infrastructure (70% agreement) and funding constraints (76% agreement), while staff resistance was less pronounced (70% disagreed it was a barrier). Despite these challenges, respondents overwhelmingly recognized the opportunities ERM offers, such as improved efficiency (86% agreement), reduced paperwork (84% agreement), enhanced data security (84% agreement), and better decision-making (90% agreement). The study concludes that successful ERM implementation at AUO requires targeted interventions, including infrastructure investment, comprehensive staff training, policy development, and leadership engagement. By addressing these challenges, AUO can harness the transformative potential of ERM to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and foster a culture of digital innovation. The findings offer practical recommendations for AUO and contribute to broader discussions on ERM adoption in Nigerian universities and similar resource-constrained academic settings. Keywords: Electronic Records Management, Achievers University Owo, Challenges, Opportunities, UTAUT