Knowledge Management in Yoruba Language Research Centres: Lessons from the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan

Research centres dedicated to Yoruba and African language studies accumulate substantial intellectual assets through fieldwork, publications, and collaborative projects, yet knowledge management practices to preserve and leverage these assets remain underdeveloped in many institutions. This study examines knowledge management practices at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria, with a specific focus on Yoruba language and culture research outputs. Using a case study design, data were collected from research fellows, administrative staff, and library information officers through semi-structured interviews and analysis of the Institute's knowledge management infrastructure. The study applies knowledge management theory, specifically Nonaka and Takeuchi's SECI model, to assess how tacit and explicit knowledge is created, shared, codified, and applied within the organisation. Existing literature on research management in African academic institutions has focused on output metrics and funding sustainability, with knowledge management as an organisational process receiving limited analytical attention in the Nigerian context. This study fills that professional management gap. The research examines how field data, oral archives, research findings, and senior researcher expertise are systematically captured and made accessible for subsequent researchers and community stakeholders. Findings are expected to reveal significant knowledge loss associated with researcher departure and inadequate documentation of field methodologies. Recommendations will address a knowledge management improvement plan applicable to Yoruba research centres and similar African language institutes across Nigeria. Keywords: knowledge management, Yoruba research, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, research centre management.