Assessment of Business Administration and Knowledge Management Practice in Nigeria: Professional Relevance and Institutional Contributions

The discipline of Business Administration along with Knowledge Management (KM) has gained enormous significance in the modern knowledge-intensive economies because of its impact on organizational performance, innovation, sustainability and competitiveness of institutional organization. Globalization, technological shift, economic turbulence, and digitalisation have further highlighted the demand for well-trained administrative and knowledge management specialists to enhance organizational efficiency and strategic agility in Nigeria. This research investigated the relevance, practice and professionalization of Business Administration and Knowledge Management in Nigeria, and the role of emerging professional bodies in Nigeria like Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management (IBAKM) and Chartered Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management (CIBAKM). The study used a qualitative approach based on descriptive, desk-based research with secondary data from journal articles, institutional publications, professional reports, conference proceedings and verified and available online databases. Content and thematic analysis were used for analyzing data. The findings showed that Knowledge Management improves the innovation capability, organizational productivity, administrative effectiveness and sustainability of Nigerian organizations. The study also confirmed that IBAKM and CIBAKM are playing a role in the competency development, ethical regulation, and standardization of certification and shape of professional identity in the sector. The implementation of effective professionalization and KM remains however, stymied by major challenges such as weak regulatory frameworks, inadequate technological infrastructure, fragmented professional standards, poor culture of knowledge sharing and lack of institutional support. The study found that developing the institutional structure, establishing digital infrastructure, regulating the profession and continuous professional development of Business Administration and Knowledge Management practice would enhance its effectiveness and competitiveness in Nigeria at global level.