KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES, ORGANIZATIONAL TRANSFORMATION, AND QUANTITATIVE PERSPECTIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT

Abstract Knowledge management has become a strategic tool for improving the effectiveness and sustainability of higher education institutions, with academic libraries serving as central knowledge hubs. This study examines knowledge management practices in Nigerian academic libraries, focusing on strategic imperatives, organizational transformation, and quantitative approaches to sustainable higher education development. Using a quantitative research framework, key variables such as ICT infrastructure, human capacity, and knowledge sharing culture were analyzed through descriptive statistics and multiple regression modeling. Findings reveal significant positive relationships between knowledge management practices and library performance, with ICT infrastructure emerging as the strongest predictor of institutional effectiveness. The results highlight the importance of digital transformation, staff capacity development, and collaborative knowledge exchange in strengthening academic library services. The study concludes that integrating data-driven knowledge management strategies can enhance research support, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigerian higher education.