FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

This study investigates the determinants of dividend payout in the Nigeria Banking Sector in Nigeria for the period 2015 to 2019. The rationale for the study was based on the realization that rapid economic growth, among others, depends on the robust activities of the banking sector of the economy. Thus, the ordinary least squared econometric technique (OLS) was employed in the analysis of the data; and the empirical findings showed that A positive correlation exists between the ROE, ROA and EPS as performance measures. Thus, an increase in one of them invariably and simultaneously leads to the achievement of the other performance measure; current dividend payout and past dividend payout have a positive and significant influence in the determination of ROE and ROA. In the case of EPS, current dividend payout has a positive and significant influence while that of past dividend is weak; growth opportunity has a positive and significant influence in the performance of firms reflected in the three measures of ROE, ROA and EPS, with the influence on ROE and EPS overwhelming; leverage (ratio of total debt to total capital of firm) has a negative and significant impact on firm performance using ROA, while its influence on ROE and EPS is positive but insignificant; firm’s size has a positive and significant impact in the determination of ROE, while the influence it has on ROA and EPS is negative and significant, and increased cash flow for firm tends to stimulate higher performance as the relationship between cash flow and firm performance is positive (though insignificant). The study recommends that financial managers should institute sound, coherent and efficient dividend policies such that will enable them determine the right dividend policy that will enhance firms’ performance in Nigeria, and appropriate firm disclosure with respect to dividend payout and dividend per share is needed to guard the investing public in making the right investment choices in listed firms.

This study investigated the factors that influence earnings management decisions in firms quoted on the Nigeria exchange group; while the study specifically examined the extent to which director’s shareholdings can positively determine earnings management; examine if share prices have significant effect on earnings management; determine if the adoption of IFRS has significantly influenced the level of earnings management; evaluate the extent to which political co nnections can influence earnings management decision; and determine the effect of tax aggressiveness on management decision to swap real activity earnings manipulation for accrual manipulations. The quantitative method of data analysis was adopted in the study. The population of this study comprised all companies quoted in the non-financial sector of the Nigerian Exchange Group as at 2024. Descriptive and inferential data analysis methods were adopted to present and analyze data. A significant relationship exists between tax aggressiveness and discretionary accrual management, and a non-significant relationship exists between tax aggressiveness and real activity earnings management in the non-financial firms quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange; and also, a non-significant and positive relationship exists between directors’ shareholdings and discretionary accrual manipulations, and a significant and negative relationship exists between directors’ shareholdings and real activity earnings management. Therefore, the study recommends that, corporate regulators in Nigeria should always watch out for high possibility of real activity earnings management in tax avoidance companies

This study examined the impact of corporate social responsibility on the value of firms in Nigeria. The study used a descriptive survey and time series research design on
manufacturing firm in Nigeria with secondary data on the following variables; Firm Value (dependent), Community service, Donations and Employment policies (Independent) and profit after tax which is the control variable. Guiness Plc was used as a case study and data of (2013 – 2022) 10 years for the variables were gotten from its annual financial report as submitted to the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX). Correlation and Panel Least Squares (PLS) regression technique was used to analyze the data with the aid of E-views 10. Correlation, showing how strong the connection that exist between the variables are and regression showing the extent of the impact of each independent variable on the dependent variable (firm value). The findings of the study show that there is a negative and significant impact of corporate community involvement on firm value. Findings of the study also show that there is a negative but insignificant effect of firms' donation on the value of firms in Nigeria likewise employment policies which was found to have a positive but insignificant impact on firm value. The study therefore recommends amongst others that quoted manufacturing firms should enhance their operational activities as this would enable them attain a high level of
revenue and assets which could enhance their firm value in return. Also, employment policies should be reviewed periodically and given more attention as this would enhance the value of quoted manufacturing companies.

The purpose of this study was to determine students’ satisfaction with customer service at the University of Benin. To achieve the six specific objectives of this study regression and descriptive analysis were utilised. The study targeted 395 students from various departments of University of Benin, of which same number of questionnaires was distributed and retrieved by the researcher. The findings arrived at after the empirical analysis included that: the role of library services in determining students’ satisfaction is not statistically significant; accommodation services do not significantly affect students’ satisfaction; there is a statistically significant relationship between security services and students’ satisfaction; there is a statistically significant relationship between health care services and students’ satisfaction; there is a significant relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and students’ satisfaction; and the influence of administrative and registration services on students’ satisfaction is significant. Based on these findings, it was recommended that: enhancing digital access to resources, increasing the diversity of available materials, and improving study spaces could potentially change student perceptions and satisfaction related to library services; the university should continue to invest in and improve its security infrastructure, possibly incorporating more modern surveillance technology and increasing security personnel visibility throughout the campus; Nigerian educational institutions invest in expanding and diversifying their counselling programs to ensure equitable access across all regions, particularly targeting under-served rural areas; expanding clinic hours, increasing the availability of medical professionals, and integrating mental health services can address a broader range of student health needs; efforts to renovate existing facilities, ensure cleanliness, and provide reliable maintenance services are essential; and the university should prioritize upgrading its ICT infrastructure to support seamless connectivity across campus.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are vital for the development of any economy, and possess great potentials for development of indigenous entrepreneurship, employment, poverty eradication, and so on. The purpose of the study was to explore the impact that SMEs has over the eradication of poverty, fostering growth sustainability of nation's economy. Five research questions were poised for the study and five hypotheses formulated in line of the objectives. The research adopted an exploratory survey design using Edo State Environs as a pilot for the study. The target population composed of SMEs owner around the region but the accessible sample size of 100 SMEs was drawn using Taro Yamane Formula. Close-ended questionnaire were designed and administered to the sampled population. Data was collected and analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 2021; The Z- test technique were adopted to ascertain the relationship and significance of the variables in the research. The result statistically revealed a negative correlation of Z-test result for the hypotheses of 9.6,8.8,58,3.6 and 3.2 respectively. Implying that SMEs has a contribution to eradication of poverty in Edo State, employment opportunities also aid in eradicating povertyand performance of SMEs has a great impact on eradicating poverty. Furthermore, innovation in terms of ideas, new technology and training of employees provides opportunity for SMEs to thrive. Consequently, all findings above lead to an eradication of poverty within Edo State. The study recommends that businesses should always obtain feedback from customers, their staffs should be trained and re-trained, and government should create a peaceful and conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Furthermore, innovation in terms of ideas, new technology and training of employees provides opportunity for SMEs to thrive. Consequently, all findings above lead to a reduction in poverty within Edo State. The study recommends that businesses should be aware of it roles in eradicating poverty and always seek business growth and mentorship, also government should make enabling and peaceful environment, equally creating system for SMEs to thrive and hit the highest peck of nation's economic growth.

This study empirically examines the role of banking institutions in Nigeria’s economic development. It focuses on four specific objectives: assessing the impact of market capitalization in the banking sector on Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP); analysing the influence of interest rates on GDP; evaluating the effect of monetary policy on GDP; and examining the relationship between financial deepening in the banking sector and GDP. The study utilizes aggregate data from all financial institutions listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) annual statistical bulletin. Given the broad scope of the financial sector, the research specifically considers annual reports of banking institutions from 1995 to 2024. A unit root test was conducted to determine the integration order of the variables, ensuring their compatibility with the selected econometric framework. An Error Correction Model (ECM) was employed to capture short-term dynamics while maintaining long-term equilibrium. Descriptive statistics and various econometric tests including t-tests, R-squared, and F-tests were applied to analyse the data using E-Views 11. The findings reveal that financial development in Nigeria has a mixed impact on economic growth. While financial system deposits positively contribute to short-term growth, other aspects of financial development demonstrate limited significance. In the long run, financial inefficiencies and instability pose challenges to sustained economic growth. These results highlight the need for policymakers to enhance financial sector efficiency, strengthen monetary policy implementation, and promote financial inclusion to ensure that economic growth translates into broader economic benefits. Given that Nigeria’s financial sector remains underdeveloped compared to emerging economies, it is essential to strengthen financial institutions. This can be achieved by empowering deposit money and microfinance banks to serve as effective credit sources for both large and small businesses. Additionally, improving access to funding particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and encouraging financial institutions to adopt innovative lending models tailored to underserved sectors will further enhance economic development.

This study investigated the impact of key macroeconomic variables on stock market performance in Nigeria over the period 1990 to 2023. Specifically, the study examines the influence of inflation rate, unemployment rate, GDP growth, interest rate, exchange rate, and crude oil prices on stock market capitalization, which serves as a proxy for market performance. Employing the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) technique well-suited for addressing cointegration and correcting for endogeneity and serial correlation, the study found that inflation has a positive and statistically significant effect on stock market performance, while unemployment exerts a significant negative impact. In contrast, GDP growth, interest rate, exchange rate, and crude oil price exhibit statistically insignificant effects. These results suggest that while some macroeconomic indicators directly influence market performance, others may be mediated through structural and institutional factors. The study recommended targeted inflation control, employment generation, economic diversification, and coordinated macroeconomic policy reforms to strengthen the responsiveness of Nigeria’s stock market to economic fundamentals

This study examined the effect of reward systems on employee job satisfaction in 7Up Bottling Company, Benin City. Reward systems are widely acknowledged as critical components of human resource management that influence employee motivation, commitment, and overall performance. The main objectives of the study were to examine the effect of employees reward system and their job satisfaction. A survey research design was adopted, and structured questionnaires were administered to 125 employees of 7Up Bottling Company using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that performance-based incentives (B = 0.117, p = 0.255), immediate recognition (B = 0.062, p = 0.568), and work–life balance (B = 0.053, p = 0.645) had positive but statistically insignificant effects on job satisfaction, while career development opportunities (B = –0.160, p = 0.079) showed a negative and statistically insignificant effect. The regression model (R = 0.197, R² = 0.039, F = 1.206, p = 0.312) indicated that the independent variables collectively explained about 3.9% of the variance in job satisfaction, suggesting a weak overall model fit. The study concludes that although the reward components are perceived positively by employees, they do not significantly influence job satisfaction within the organisation. It recommends that management should improve the structure and implementation of reward systems by ensuring fairness, transparency, and strong linkage between rewards and employee performance, career growth, to enhance satisfaction and employees retention within the workforce.

This study examines the effect of firm-specific attributes on the financial reporting quality of banks in Nigeria, focusing on firm size, profitability, board independence, audit committee effectiveness, and leverage. Anchored on Agency Theory, Signaling Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, the study explores how internal characteristics influence managerial incentives, stakeholder communication, and governance mechanisms to ensure transparent and reliable financial reporting. Using panel data from 12 Nigerian deposit money banks over the period 2018 to 2023, the study employed the Fixed Effect Method for estimation alongside Hausman tests, residual cointegration tests, and cross- section dependence tests to analyze the relationships between variables. The findings indicate that firm size and leverage negatively affect financial reporting quality, while profitability, board independence, audit committee effectiveness, and ownership positively influence reporting quality. Hypothesis testing revealed that firm size and leverage significantly impact reporting quality, whereas profitability, board independence, and audit committee effectiveness demonstrate strong positive relationships with high- quality disclosures. These results align with previous empirical studies and reinforce the importance of governance mechanisms and firm characteristics in promoting credible financial reporting. The study recommends strengthening internal governance structures, optimizing board and committee composition, and enhancing managerial accountability to improve financial reporting quality in Nigerian banks. Keywords: financial reporting quality, firm-specific attributes, board independence, audit committee effectiveness, leverage, firm size, profitability, Nigerian banks, Fixed Effect Method

This study investigated the influence of work-life balance on job performance among female employees of Polaris Bank in Edo State, Nigeria. The research specifically examined how time management, work flexibility, and job stress affect employees’ effectiveness in achieving organisational goals. The study was guided by three objectives: to determine the effect of time management on job performance, assess the relationship between work flexibility and job performance, and examine the impact of job stress on the job performance of female banking staff. The study adopted a quantitative research design and relied on primary data obtained through a structured questionnaire distributed to 148 female employees across different branches of Polaris Bank in Edo State. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression techniques implemented in EViews 9. The results revealed that time management (β = 0.493, p < 0.01) and work flexibility (β = 0.301, p < 0.01) have significant positive effects on job performance, indicating that employees who effectively manage their time and enjoy flexible work conditions tend to perform better. Conversely, job stress (β = -0.299, p < 0.01) was found to have a negative and significant impact on job performance, suggesting that increased stress reduces employees’ concentration, efficiency, and productivity. The regression model recorded an R² value of 0.43, implying that the independent variables jointly explain 43% of the variation in job performance among the respondents. The study concludes that maintaining a healthy work-life balance enhances employee productivity and organisational success. Specifically, efficient time management and flexible work policies improve morale and output, while unmanaged stress undermines performance and satisfaction. The study recommends that Polaris Bank and other financial institutions should implement structured time management training, introduce flexible work 9 arrangements, and establish stress management and wellness programs to promote the well- being and performance of female employees. By integrating work-life balance initiatives into human resource policies, organisations can improve employee retention, service quality, and long-term institutional performance.