School Records Management and Administrative Efficiency in Secondary Schools in Abuja

This study investigates the relationship between school records management practices and administrative efficiency in secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Accurate and accessible school records, including student enrolment data, academic performance histories, staff personnel files, and financial records, are essential tools for effective school administration and governance. In many Nigerian secondary schools, records are poorly maintained, leading to administrative inefficiencies and governance gaps. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with data collected from 40 school administrative officers, 30 principals, and 60 teachers across 20 secondary schools in Abuja Municipal, Gwagwalada, and Kuje area councils. Records management quality was assessed across dimensions of completeness, accessibility, organisation, and security. Administrative efficiency was measured using time-to-retrieve record indicators, audit compliance rates, and head teacher satisfaction ratings. Pearson correlation and regression analysis were applied. Results reveal a significant positive association between records management quality and administrative efficiency. Schools that had transitioned to digital record-keeping systems demonstrated measurably higher efficiency scores. Paper-based systems showed significant retrieval delays and completeness gaps. The study concludes that records management quality is a significant determinant of administrative efficiency in FCT secondary schools. It recommends that the FCT Education Secretariat mandate digital school management systems for all secondary schools and provide training to administrative officers in records management best practices and data protection protocols.

Keywords: school records management, administrative efficiency, secondary school, Abuja, digital administration.