DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING

This study examined the role of forensic accounting and emerging technologies in combating cryptocurrency-related fraud within Nigeria’s evolving digital economy. The research aimed to assess the effectiveness of forensic accounting techniques, evaluate the influence of emerging technologies, and determine how regulatory frameworks and practitioners’ technical competence affect the mitigation of crypto fraud. A descriptive survey design was adopted, involving 105 respondents comprising forensic accountants, auditors, ICT professionals, academics, and regulators. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. findings revealed that forensic accounting techniques such as blockchain tracing, data mining, and transaction monitoring are significantly effective in detecting and preventing crypto-related crimes. Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain analytics also enhance the accuracy and speed of forensic investigations. Furthermore, strong regulatory frameworks positively influence
forensic accounting effectiveness, whereas weak regulations increase the prevalence of crypto fraud. The combined effect of forensic accounting and emerging technologies explained the variation in crypto-fraud reduction. The study concludes that forensic accounting, when supported by modern technology and robust regulation, serves as an indispensable tool for curbing crypto-related financial crimes in Nigeria. It recommends enhanced training for forensic accountants, adoption of AI-driven tools, regulatory reforms, inter-agency collaboration, and increased public awareness.

The most crucial level of control in every organization is board of directors. However, the role of a diverse board on the financial performance of a firm can never be over emphasized. Diversity in terms of gender, independent directors and board composition are expected to affect the advisory role of board of directors due to the diverse information they posses. Thus, the study investigates the effect of board diversity on financial performance of consumer goods firms in Nigeria, the study covers a period of five years (2018-2022). The population of the study is made up of the twenty six (26) listed consumer goods firms as at 31st December, 2012. A sample of seventeen (17) firms was drawn from the population as they have all the information required within the period under study. Secondary data was obtained from the annual report and account of sample firms. The study used correlational research design and a multiple regression technique was employed for analysis to determine the effect of board diversity on financial performance of firms under study. The result was interpreted using fixed-effect regression model. The finding of the study showed that two of diversity variables (Independent director and board composition) have a positive effect financial performance and gender diversity has no significant impact on firm performance. The study, therefore, concludes that on the overall board diversity has a significant impact on financial performance of the firms under study. It is therefore, recommended that regulatory authorities should encourage firms to consider foreign directors in their board room
when appointing board of directors for efficient monitoring and effective board oversight function.

This study examined the impact of accounting expertise and auditing procedures onthesustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Edo State, Nigeria. The purposewas to determine how accounting knowledge, professional auditing practices, andtheadoption of standard financial systems influence SME performance, operational ef iciency, and long-term survival. The study employed a structured questionnaire administered to 100 SME owners, managers, and accounting personnel selected through a stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the data and determinetherelationship between accounting expertise, auditing procedures, and SME sustainability. Findings revealed that accounting expertise has a significant positive ef ect on SMEfinancial performance (p < 0.05), while auditing procedures significantly enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainability (p < 0.05). Despite these benefits, many SMEs still facechallenges such as inadequate expertise, high cost of professional services, poor record-keeping culture, and weak regulatory enforcement. The study recommends regular trainingforSME operators, promotion of af ordable auditing services, increased awareness of accountingstandards, and the adoption of digital accounting systems to support transparency andlongterm business growth.

This study examined the impact of information technology (IT) on accounting systems in selected organizations in Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the effects of technological innovation, technological skills, technological drawbacks, and labour cost reduction on accounting system performance, including efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of financial reporting. The study adopted a quantitative research design, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to 384 accountants, auditors, and finance officers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that technological innovation and technological skills positively and significantly enhance the performance of accounting systems, while technological drawbacks, such as system failures and cyber threats, negatively influence system efficiency. Additionally, automation and IT integration were found to significantly reduce labour costs, thereby improving productivity and operational efficiency. The regression results indicated that approximately 65.9% of the variation in accounting system performance is explained by the combined effects of the IT-related factors studied. The study concludes that information technology plays a crucial role in modernizing accounting operations, improving data accuracy, and facilitating decision-making.

This study examines the determinants of tax compliance among small and mediumenterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The research investigated the influence of sixkeyfactors—tax knowledge and awareness, taxpayer attitude and perception, multipletaxrates, government transparency and accountability, enforcement and penalties, andcomplexity of the tax accounting system—on tax compliance behavior. Aquantitativeresearch design was adopted, and data collected from 142 SMEs were analyzedusingdescriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression techniques through E-Views14.0. The regression results revealed that taxpayer attitude and perception had a negativeandsignificant effect on compliance, implying that negative perceptions about thetaxsystem reduce taxpayers’ willingness to comply. Conversely, multiple tax rates andgovernment transparency showed positive and significant effects, indicatingthat simplified rate structures and transparent governance enhance compliance. Taxknowledge, enforcement, and system complexity were not statistically significant, suggesting that knowledge and penalties alone may not guarantee compliance without trust and institutional integrity. The model was statistically significant (F-statistic =5.45, p < 0.01) with an adjusted R² of 0.16, confirming a moderate explanatorypower. Diagnostic tests showed no autocorrelation or heteroskedasticity, ensuringmodel reliability. The study concludes that tax compliance among SMEs in Nigeria is primarily drivenbyinstitutional and perceptual factors rather than enforcement. It recommends improvinggovernment transparency, simplifying tax structures, and promoting positive taxpayerattitudes to enhance voluntary compliance.

This study examined the effect of Board Sustainability Committees on corporate financial performance among listed companies in Nigeria. The main objective was to determine whether the existence, size, expertise, and meeting frequency of Board Sustainability Committees contributed meaningfully to firms’ financial outcomes.The study also aimed to provide empirical evidence on whether sustainability governance practices, as recommended by global ESG frameworks and the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance, translated intoimproved profitability within the Nigerian corporate environment.The study adopted an ex-post facto research design and analysed panel data covering 50 listed companies over a five-year period (2019–2023). Secondary data were extracted from annual reports and sustainability disclosures of sampled firms.The variables were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel regression techniques. Diagnostics—including multicollinearity tests, heteroskedasticity tests, and the Hausman specification test—were conducted to validate the model, and the Fixed Effects estimator was selected as the most appropriate based on the diagnostic outcomes.The findings revealed that BoardSustainability Committee existence, meeting frequency, expertise, and size all had positive and statistically significant effects on corporate financial performance, measured by Return on Assets. Firm size also exerted a positive and significant influence.The study concluded that sustainability governance enhanced financial performance and recommended that firms institutionalise functional sustainability committees with competent members, frequent meetings, and clearly defined mandates. It further recommended that regulators strengthen disclosure requirements on sustainability governance to encourage substantive, rather than symbolic, adoption of ESG oversight structures in Nigerian firms

This study investigates the relationship between Value Added Tax (VAT) revenues, inflation, and infrastructural development in Edo State, Nigeria, over the period 2015– 2024. VAT, a consumption-based tax introduced in Nigeria in 1993, has become a key
source of non-oil revenue, supporting investments in health, education, and agriculture. Despite steady VAT allocations, infrastructure outcomes remain uneven, raising questions about the efficiency of resource utilization. The study aims to assess the contribution of VAT revenue to infrastructural development, examine the role of inflation, and evaluate how effectively fiscal resources are transformed into tangible outcomes. Secondary data were obtained from Edo State Citizens Accountability Reports, FAAC disbursement records, Audited Financial Statements, and the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin. Short-run dynamic modeling was employed to analyze the relationship between VAT revenue, inflation, and infrastructure development. Findings show that VAT revenue is a highly significant determinant of infrastructure, with each additional billion Naira generating approximately 194.455 million Naira in development outcomes, while inflation is statistically insignificant. Transformation efficiency is approximately 19.4%, indicating gaps in financial management and governance. The study concludes that strategic planning, enhanced public financialxiii management, diversified funding sources, and effective institutional capacity are essential to maximize VAT’s impact on sustainable infrastructure development in Edo State.

Objective- This study focused on unethical accounting practices and their impact on financial reporting quality in Nigeria. It specifically examined the roles of institutions and regulatory bodies in addressing these issues. Geographically, our sample was drawn from Nigeria.The paper tested the hypothesis that there are no significant factors contributing to the persistence of unethical accounting practices among accountants and auditors, regulatory bodies do not face substantial challenges that hinder their ability to enforce ethical standards and address misconduct in financial reporting, and unethical accounting practices do not negatively impact the quality of financial reporting and diminish investor confidence in the Nigerian financial system. Methodology - For this study, the population comprised 154 staff of accounting departments and audit units of quoted companies in Nigeria. To choose the sampled companies in Nigeria,the Simple Random Sampling technique was adopted in this study. The research instrument used for this study is the questionnaire administered to accounting professionals, auditors, financial regulators, company executives, key officials from regulatory bodies and industry experts. The response to each of the question in Section B was based on the five-point likert scale and denoted as 1- Strongly Agree; 2- Agree; 3- Undecided; 4- Disagree; 5- Strongly Disagree. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. In addition, the hypotheses of the research have been tested using EViews student version 12 through ENTER for data analysis. Findings - The results revealed a significant negative relationship between variables. Research limits - Data used for this study need to be subjected to more statistical tests in order to establish a more robust validity and reliability. It is necessary to acquire further strengthened data and assume a variety of conditional situations. It is expected that subsequent studies can use larger samples and diversified by sector, a broader geographic base and a multi-faceted analysis. Practical implications- The study underscored the need for policymakers to prioritize ethical governance in the financial sector. Strengthening the regulatory framework and promoting ethical practices can enhance financial stability and investor confidence.

This study examined the impact of audit committee effectiveness on financial reporting quality among one hundred (100) Nigerian listed companies from 2019 to 2024. Despite governance reforms under CAMA (2020) and the NCCG (2018), concerns remain about earnings management and reporting credibility. The study analyzed audit committee attributes, independence, financial expertise, size, meeting frequency, and committee effectiveness, using a quantitative panel design and fixed-effects regression. Financial reporting quality was measured using a composite index covering accrual quality, timeliness, audit opinion quality, and disclosure compliance. Results show that independence, financial expertise, meeting frequency, and committee effectiveness significantly improve financial reporting quality, with financial expertise being the strongest predictor. Audit committee size was not significant. Among control variables, company size and committee independence positively affect reporting quality, while leverage has a negative effect. The study concludes that competence and active engagement enhance governance effectiveness more than structural compliance and recommends strengthening expertise, independence, meeting practices, etc.

Fraud is a reoccurring challenge in financial systems, affecting businesses, government institutions, and the economy at large. Traditional auditing methods dependence on manual procedures has made them inadequate for detecting and preventing fraudulent activities. A technological answer to this problem is the use of automated forensic auditing, which uses machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced data analytics to improve fraud detection and control. The study uses a qualitative and quantitative research approach, collecting data from organizations that have adopted forensic auditing technologies. The results will provide useful insights for management, auditors, investors, regulatory bodies, public users, researchers, and policymakers in strengthening fraud control mechanisms in Nigeria. However, the adoption and implementation of automated forensic auditing in Nigeria face several obstacles, including high costs, a shortage of skilled forensic auditors, and inadequate regulatory frameworks