Forensic Accounting Techniques and Fraud Detection in Universities in Ibadan, Oyo State

Abstract

This study examined the effect of forensic accounting techniques on fraud detection in universities in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by persistent financial irregularities, including misappropriation of funds, falsified documents, and inaccurate financial reporting, despite the existence of conventional auditing systems. The aim was to determine the influence of data mining tools, document examination techniques, and ratio and trend analysis on fraud detection. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 398 accountants and audit staff drawn from three universities: University of Ibadan, Ajimobi Technical University, and Dominican University. Using Taro Yamane’s formula at a 0.05 margin of error, a sample size of 200 was determined through stratified purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by experts and pilot-tested. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha with coefficients above 0.70. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression in SPSS (Version 25) at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that data mining tools had a significant positive effect on reducing financial irregularities (R = .368, R² = .136, F(1,193) = 30.299, p < .001, β = .368). However, document examination techniques (R² = .004, p = .382) and ratio and trend analysis (R² = .004, p = .381) did not show significant effects. The study concluded that technology-driven forensic tools were more effective in fraud detection than traditional analytical approaches within the sampled universities. It was recommended that universities prioritize investment in data mining technologies, strengthen staff capacity in forensic accounting, and develop integrated forensic frameworks to enhance fraud detection and financial transparency.