Effect of Digitisation on Access to Historical Documents in National Archives Ibadan

This study assessed the effect of digitisation on access to historical documents at the National Archives, Ibadan, in Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Digitisation is increasingly recognised as a strategy for preserving fragile archival materials while simultaneously broadening access to users who cannot physically visit the archives. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were obtained from archivists, researchers, and administrative staff through structured questionnaires and oral interviews. The study found that the digitisation programme, though still in early stages, had improved access for remote researchers and reduced physical handling of original documents. However, digitised holdings were not consistently indexed or made available through an online portal, limiting their discoverability. Challenges included power outages, insufficient trained personnel, and a lack of funds for acquiring professional digitisation equipment. The study recommended that the National Archives develop a dedicated online platform for its digitised collections, seek technical support from international archival bodies, and train staff in digital preservation standards. Keywords: digitisation, historical documents, National Archives Ibadan, archival access, digital preservation.