Governance Frameworks for Institutional Repository Management in Nigerian Research Universities: A Comparative Policy Analysis

This study conducted a comparative policy analysis of governance frameworks for institutional repository management in research-intensive universities in Nigeria. Institutional repositories are critical infrastructure for managing, preserving, and disseminating scholarly output, and their long-term effectiveness depends on robust governance policies. A qualitative comparative case study design was employed, drawing on documentary analysis of institutional repository policies, governance structures, and operational guidelines in twelve Nigerian research universities across the South West, South South, North Central, and South East geopolitical zones. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with repository managers, library directors, and research office administrators. The study found that governance frameworks were underdeveloped in most institutions, with weak mandatory deposit policies, unclear roles for faculty and library staff, absence of quality assurance mechanisms, and fragmented alignment between repositories and research evaluation processes. Drawing on international best practice models and the ROARMAP policy registry, the study developed an original Governance Framework for Nigerian Institutional Repositories, providing a policy architecture template adaptable to diverse institutional contexts. Keywords: institutional repository, governance framework, policy analysis, Nigerian research universities, open access.