FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

This study examines the effect of the auditor-client relationship on audit quality in Nigerian microfinance institutions, using LAPO Microfinance Bank in Edo State as a case study. The main objective is to assess how auditor professionalism, communication, and independence influence audit quality and financial transparency. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, with data collected from 50 respondents including auditors, audit managers, and finance staff directly involved in LAPO’s audit process. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain primary data, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation
analysis, and multiple regression techniques with SPSS. The study finds that auditor professionalism positively and significantly improves audit quality by enhancing ethical conduct, competence, and adherence to auditing standards. Effective communication between auditors and clients strengthens mutual understanding and promotes accurate financial reporting. Auditor independence also has a significant positive impact, ensuring objectivity and reducing the risk of bias or undue influence from clients.
The study recommends that microfinance institutions should reinforce auditor independence through strict policies and periodic rotation of auditors. Continuous professional development and ethics training should be prioritized to strengthen professionalism. Furthermore, establishing clear and open communication channels between auditors and management will help to improve audit quality, strengthen stakeholder confidence, and support regulatory compliance.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of forensic accounting practices in detecting financial fraud within the public sector, focusing on the Edo State Government in Nigeria. A survey design was employed, with a stratified random sample of 200 respondents selected from a population of 400 government officials, auditors, and forensic practitioners. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using linear regression with SPSS 23.0. The results indicate that stringent government regulations, higher incidences of embezzlement, and the integration of digital forensics tools significantly enhance the effectiveness of forensic accounting in detecting fraud. Additionally, robust internal controls are essential for successful fraud detection. The study recommends strengthening regulatory oversight, investing in digital forensic tools, improving internal control systems, and fostering collaboration between regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and academia. Future research should explore the role of emerging technologies, such as blockchain, AI, and machine learning, in enhancing forensic accounting practices and examine the long-term impact of regulatory reforms on fraud reduction and governance transparency.

This study was carried out to examine the effects of motivational incentives on employee performance in Nigeria Bottling Company, Benin City. Specifically, the study examined To examine the importance of employee performance to organizational performance. Assess the current level of motivational incentives at the Nigerian bottling company. examine the relationship between motivational incentives and employee performance. examine the impact of motivational incentives on organizational performance. The study adopted the use of descriptive survey . The population of this study includes all staff of the Nigerian Bottling Company, Benin City. The instrument used for this study was questionnaire and a total of one hundred and fifty questionnaires (150) was administered. Data analysis was carried out using frequency distribution and simple percentage for this study. From the responses obtained and analysed, the findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between motivational incentive and employee performance, Motivation has a positive impact on employee performance, Motivational incentives shape the behaviour or outlook of subordinate towards work increasing efficiency,Motivational incentives psychologically satisfy a person which leads to job satisfaction and avoid turnover, Motivational incentives drives or arouse a stimulus work, Motivational incentives inculcate zeal and enthusiasm towards work, Motivational incentives enhance commitment in work performance, Motivational incentives increase productivity, The study recommend, there is need for motivational incentive care facilities accessible at all times to help meet with urgent needs, There should be systems for recognition and appreciation of quality efforts in order to motivate the staff to work effectively, The organization should ensure that there is an adequate provision and availability of motivational incentives to help boost workers’ performance. Workers should be trained on how to ensure constant supply of skilled labour and there should be an interpersonal relationship that is, the employer - employees relationship in the organization.

This study examined the influence of brand positioning strategies on consumer preference for beverage products in Benin City, Nigeria. Four key elements of brand positioning, price positioning, product differentiation, unique selling propositions (USP), and physical evidence, were analysed to determine their impact on consumers’ purchasing behaviour. Data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to 385 respondents and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that product differentiation (β = 0.564, p < 0.001), USP (β = 0.290, p < 0.001), and physical evidence (β = 0.271, p < 0.001) significantly influenced consumer preference, while price positioning (β = -0.141, p = 0.077) showed no significant impact. An R² of 0.868 indicated that 86.8% of the variation in consumer preference was explained by the independent variables. The study concludes that consumers in Benin City are more responsive to beverage brands offering unique features, clear value propositions, and appealing physical attributes than to pricing strategies alone. It recommends an integrated approach to brand positioning to improve market competitiveness. The study enhances understanding of consumer behaviour in emerging markets and provides practical insights for marketing strategists in the beverage industry.

This study examined the effect of financial technology on the performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. Quarterly time series data for the period 2009Q1-Q4 to 2023Q1-Q4 was generated from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and global financial index of the World Bank. The study used the ordinary least squares multivariate regression estimation method to analyze the data generated. The findings reveal that that Internet banking, ATM usage and POS terminal usage have significant impact on deposit money banks performance in Nigeria while mobile banking has no significant effect on deposit money bank performance. According to the study's findings, financial technology (FINTECH) variables play a significant role in Nigeria's deposit money bank performance. Based on the findings, the study recommends that deposit money banks should improve their security on mobile transaction and also cut down the various charges associated with mobile transaction usage in Nigeria. Also, It's also important to solve Nigeria's poor Internet access. In order to gain consumers' trust, network communications security should also be strengthened. Concerns about security when using internet banking should be addressed by banks in order to reverse the negative impact on their performance. Furthermore, deposit money banks should upgrade ATM technology to include features like cardless transactions, biometrics, and improved security measures to enhance user experience and attract more customers and with more customers using this platform it will improve the performance of deposit money banks. In addition, the adoption rate of point-of-sale (POS) terminals in Nigeria should continue to be improved so that it will continue to contribute positively to deposit money bank performance. This can be done by lowering the excessive transaction fees and making improvements to the infrastructure needed to run POS, such as network access. This will further improve the performance of banks in Nigeria.

This study investigates the relationship between corporate board diversity and the financial performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Conducted within the context of governance reforms and performance challenges in the sector, the research examines how national, ethnic, age, and gender diversity influence Earnings Per Share (EPS), which was adopted as the measure of financial performance. An ex-post facto research design was employed, using panel data extracted from the annual reports of twelve oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group between 2014 and 2023. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression were applied to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that ethnic and age diversity exert significant positive effects on EPS, while national and gender diversity show statistically insignificant influences. The results indicate that board heterogeneity in certain dimensions enhances shareholder value, though some forms of diversity remain underutilized in Nigeria’s corporate governance framework. The study concludes that meaningful representation across diversity dimensions can strengthen decision- making and improve financial outcomes, especially in a highly regulated and capital-intensive industry. The study recommends that regulators and policymakers enforce inclusive governance policies that encourage balanced board representation, while companies should adopt strategic diversity practices that integrate ethnicity, age, gender, and nationality to enhance performance and competitiveness.

This study examines the factors influencing environmental disclosure among oil and gas companies in Nigeria. It adopts an ex-post facto research design with a longitudinal approach, utilizing panel data spanning eleven (11) financial years (2014–2024) from oil companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). The variables investigated include leverage, firm size, profitability, audit firm type, financial constraint, and firm age. The findings reveal that leverage, profitability, firm size, audit firm type, firm age, and financial constraint all have no significant effect on the level of environmental accounting disclosure by oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Based on these results, the study recommends that future research should consider a broader sample of companies and incorporate additional variables beyond those used in the current model, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the determinants of environmental disclosure in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) usage on innovative thinking among university students in Nigeria, with a focus on students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to students selected via simple random sampling. The instrument captured students’ frequency and purpose of AI use, as well as perceptions of its influence on creative and innovative thinking. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis with SPSS. The findings reveal that AI tools are widely and regularly used by students for academic and creative activities, serving as guides for idea generation, problem- solving, and conceptual clarification. Results further indicate that AI usage has a positive and significant influence on innovative thinking, while also raising concerns about overreliance and ethical considerations. Overall, the study concludes that AI plays a supportive role in enhancing students’ innovative capacities when used responsibly, and it recommends the promotion of balanced AI literacy in higher education to sustain creativity and independent thinking

This study explores the relationship between firm characteristics and financial performance such firm size, firm age, firm financial leverage, firm complexity and firm ownership structure. Understanding these relationships is essential to stake holders like investors, analysts and policymakers as it provides valuable insights on the financial health and wellbeing of firms.
This study provides evidence on the relationship between firm characteristics and the financial performance of listed consumer firms in Nigeria using panel data for five years (i.e 2020 - 2024). The multiple regression model was adopted in this study to evaluate the impact of firm size, firm age, firm complexity, firm financial leverage, and firm ownership structure on the financial
performance of listed consumer firms in Nigeria. This study shows that the relationship between firm size, firm financial leverage and financial performance is positive. Similarly, this study has revealed that firm age, firm complexity, and financial performance have a negative relationship. This study also proves that the ownership structure of firms can positively impact its financial
performance. while financial performance of firms can be influenced by the characteristics of the firm as stakeholders like investors and analysts consider these characteristics when assessing the potentials of firms as it affects making investment
decisions.

This study examines the impact of four key taxes Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Value- Added Tax (VAT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), and Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) on
economic growth in Nigeria, using Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the proxy for
economic performance over the period 2010 to 2023. The study employs an ex-post factor research design, utilizing panel data techniques to analyze the relationship between
taxation and GDP. The findings indicate that all four tax components have a significant
positive relationship with GDP, suggesting that effective tax policies and their implementation play a crucial role in driving economic growth. The study reveals that while CIT encourages investment in strategic sectors, VAT contributes to the diversification of revenue streams, PIT supports public service funding, and PPT remains vital due to Nigeria's oil dependency. However, the results also emphasize the need for efficient tax administration, periodic reviews of tax rates, and investments in infrastructure and public services to foster sustainable growth. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening tax collection mechanisms, broadening the tax base, reducing reliance on oil revenues, and improving public awareness of the role of taxation in national development. These measures are critical to enhancing Nigeria's economic resilience and achieving long-term sustainable growth.