Records and Archival Practices in Higher Education Institutions in Cameroon: The Case of the University of Bamenda, 2010–Present

Purpose: This study uses the case of The University of Bamenda to examine records and archival practices in higher education in Cameroon from 2010 to the present by: (i) investigating the current state of records and archival practices; (ii) identifying its challenges at The University of Bamenda; and (iii) suggesting ways that The University of Bamenda, Cameroon, can manage records and archives to better support teaching, learning, and research. Methodology: The study adopts a mixed-method research design. This involved the use of both qualitative and quantitative data. Fifty questionnaires were administered to personnel in charge of records and archives in key offices of The University of Bamenda, using a random sampling technique, with a 100% return rate. The data were analyzed descriptively and represented in tables. Findings: The findings revealed that both paper and digital records and archives are managed, while most of the records generated and managed are academic, administrative, and financial in nature. Furthermore, The University of Bamenda hosts a designated records/archives division, which serves as a repository of the institution's collection of files, correspondence, minutes, and reports. However, some of the challenges faced in records and archival practices include insufficient storage facilities and a lack of trained personnel. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study demonstrates the relevance of the Records Continuum Model (RCM) in Sub-Saharan African higher education, highlighting its seamless integration of records creation, capture, organization, and preservation. It also extends Schellenberg’s appraisal theory, showing how distinguishing primary and secondary values supports strategic records management in resource-limited universities. Together, these frameworks strengthen institutional memory and governance, offering a replicable model for future scholarship.