Title: Automated Financial Management Systems On Fraud Prevention In Tertiary Institutions In Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Watchman Seidougha Philemon Makpa & Prof. Paul Binaebi Igbongidi
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 501-507
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
The study investigated automated financial management systems on fraud prevention in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Three specific objectives and three research questions were raised to guide the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The targeted population of the study comprised all 43 Accounting Education students in all the tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. The population of the study was adopted as the sample of the study because it was manageable. Hence, the study adopted the census sampling technique. The instrument for data collection contained 15 item statements, titled "Automated Financial Management Systems on Fraud Prevention in Tertiary Institutions Questionnaire; with a 4-point scale of four-point scale of VHE, HE, LE and VLE. It was validated by two experts, one from the Test and Measurement unit of the Department of Counselling and Educational Psychology and the other from the Department of Business Education, Faculty of Education, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State. To ascertain the reliability of the instrument, the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient statistical tool was used and a reliability index of 0.82 was obtained. The mean and standard deviation statistical tools were used to analyse the data. The study found that Treasury Single Account (TSA) to a high extent prevents fraud in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. Therefore, the study concluded and recommended that Treasury Single Account significantly enhances financial transparency and curtails fraudulent activities in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. As such, tertiary institutions should fully implement and maintain the Treasury Single Account system to ensure centralised revenue management, as this will further enhance transparency and minimise fraud risks.