Abstract
This study examined the effects of digital records management capability and cybersecurity readiness on institutional policy compliance in Nigerian federal universities, including the moderating effect of cybersecurity readiness. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among personnel involved in records management, information governance, and cybersecurity in six purposively selected federal universities, one from each geopolitical zone. From a population of 860 personnel, a sample of 273 was determined using the Taro Yamane formula and allocated proportionately across the universities. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire adapted from existing measurement scales. The instrument underwent face and content validation, and reported Cronbach's alpha coefficients exceeded .70. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 4. Digital records management capability had a positive, significant relationship with institutional policy compliance (β = .648, t = 12.226, p < .001). Cybersecurity readiness also had a positive, significant relationship with compliance (β = .571, t = 9.361, p < .001). The interaction between records management capability and cybersecurity readiness was significant and positive (β = .214, t = 4.458, p < .001); the model R² increased from .541 to .586 after the interaction was included. The study recommends strengthening records management systems, investing in cybersecurity governance and staff capacity, and aligning both functions within university policy implementation.
Keywords: digital records management capability; cybersecurity readiness; institutional policy compliance;
Publication Date: 2026-10-31