Abstract
This study examines the influence of technological infrastructure and training on research
data management (RDM) services, providing comparative evidence from Nigeria and
selected African countries. Recognizing that effective RDM is pivotal for enhancing research
productivity, data accessibility, and compliance with global standards such as the FAIR
principles, this research highlights the dual importance of robust digital infrastructure and
skilled human resources. Technological components—such as institutional repositories, highspeed
internet, cloud platforms, and interoperable systems—form the backbone of RDM by
enabling efficient data storage, preservation, and sharing. However, infrastructural challenges
including limited broadband penetration, unreliable power supply, and insufficient
investment continue to hinder many African academic libraries, particularly in Nigeria, from
delivering sustainable RDM services. Complementing these technological gaps, the study
underscores the critical role of targeted training and capacity building for librarians, focusing
on competencies in data curation, metadata management, and policy implementation. Using a
thematic analysis approach grounded in sociotechnical theoretical frameworks, the study
draws on empirical data from Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania to demonstrate that
without adequate training, even well-developed infrastructures remain underutilized, limiting
their impact on research outcomes. The findings advocate for integrated strategies that
combine scalable infrastructure investments, incorporation of RDM modules into Library and
Information Science curricula, and strengthened regional and international collaborations.
Such a holistic approach is essential for Nigerian libraries to overcome existing barriers,
improve data management practices, and actively participate in the global open science
ecosystem.
Keywords: Technological infrastructure, Research Data Management, Capacity building,
Nigerian libraries, FAIR principles
Publication Date: 2025-08-03