Assessment of the Effectiveness of Internal Control System for the Prevention of Fraud in Public Primary Schools in Edo State
- Author Uloko Clement Imoyera
- DOI
- Country : Nigeria
- Subject : Business Education
Keywords : Assessment, Effectiveness, Internal Control, Fraud, and School
Abstract
This study analysed the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control system for the prevention of fraud in public primary schools in Edo State as a case study. Five research questions were raised to facilitate theoretical conclusion using descriptive survey method. The purpose was to find out the adequacy of assessment of the effectiveness of internal control system for the prevention of fraud in public primary schools in Edo State. The study was specifically designed to find out (i) the type of fraud prevalent in public primary schools in Edo State. (ii) The qualifications of those in charge of internal control in public primary schools in Edo State. (iii) The internal control programmes put in place for checking fraud in public primary schools in Edo State. (iv) Whether there are adequate sanctions for offenders for misappropriation of fund? And (v) how often is the auditing of public primary schools records conducted in Edo State. A Twenty-Five item questionnaire using the four point scale was administered on 121 Headmaster and 82 Accounting staff. Mean and standard deviation were the statistical tools used for data analysis. The result of the analysis shows that collection of illegal fees, false statistics of data and sales of government supplies are some of the challenges in public primary schools in Edo State. The public primary schools education needs improvement in the areas of manpower development, internal checking of records as a measures against fraud. The study further revealed that there are no sanctions for offenders of fraud to serve as deterrent. Bases on the findings, the researcher recommends that the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control for prevention of fraud in public primary schools is a veritable tool as this will help to check false statistics of data, collection of illegal fees and illegal sales of government supplies. The government should create enabling environment to employ qualify staff and also regular checking on schools records should be sustained. Government policy should incorporate and emphasize investigation and possible prosecution of suspected fraudsters. Finally the relevant laws such as Education Law Cap 55 Laws of Bendel State of 1981 as applicable to Edo State and Section 125 (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which empowered the Auditor-General (Local) to carryout statutory function in the State should be sustained. The effectiveness of anti-corruption oversight or watchdog bodies such as Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and similar institutions should be encourage by government by creating enabling environments.
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