THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SELECTED CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ATTRIBUTES, COMPANY ATTRIBUTES AND TIMELINESS OF FINANCIAL REPORTING IN NIGERIA

This study has been carried out to empirically examine the relationship between corporate governance variables, corporate attributes variables and timeliness in a developing country, Nigeria. Using a sample of 118 listed companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the study depended on the use of descriptive statistics and the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis. From the study, there appears to be evidence of an unusually long time lag made by Nigerian listed companies included in this study. The average total lag between the end of the year and the AGM is 193 days which equates to over six months for Nigerian companies. The study similarly tested for the relationship between board independence, board size, company size, leverage, profitability, audit firm size, audit delay and the timeliness of financial statements. Of all the variables examined, none of the variables where found to be statistically significant except for audit delay. Clearly from the study, we discovered that most of the companies on the NSE are not complying with the laid down stipulations guiding the submission of financial statements and as such it is highly recommended that the NSE, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Reporting Council (FRC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other regulatory agencies should put in place measures to ensure strict compliance with the laid down rules and regulations. KEYWORDS: Corporate attributes, corporate governance, financial reporting and Timeliness

The Determination and Comparative Study of Basic Hormonal Assessment in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction Treatment in Southern Part of Nigeria

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous disorder frequently diagnosed in women attending fertility clinics in Nigeria. it is characterized by anovulation, hyper androgenism and polycystic ovary, several factors have been associated with the pathophysiology of this disorder.A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in four selected fertility clinics in South-South part of Nigeria. The purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. A total of 206 women were recruited in this study, 101 (49.1%) women fulfilled the Rotterdam criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS, while 105 women (50.9%) without PCOS were included as control. Biochemical hyper-androgenism as described by the Rotterdam criteria was observed in 69(68%) of women with PCOS, Elevated Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) 87(86%) and elevated Luteinizing hormone (LH) 76(75%) were observed in women with PCOS.The aim of the study was to Determine and Compare levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Anti-mullerian Hormone (AMH) Testosterone in the follicular fluid of women with PCOS undergoing Assisted Reproduction Treatment

Result Of Seroprevalence Of HIV Amonst Undergraduate Students Of Government Approved Private University In Edo State

The seroprevalence of HIV amongst undergraduate students of a Government Approved University of Edo State was studied. Out of 1020 students randomly selected from the various faculties or departments, qualitative detection of anti bodies to HIV were detected in (4.3%) male and (2.3) female. There was a significant difference in seroprevalence rate between the male students and female category as

The imperatives of internal audit in Nigerian banks: issues and prospects

Many have argued that internal audit plays a pivotal role in enhancing corporate performance in organizations (Oseni, 1994 and Lav, 2004).This is the focus of this paper, using Nigerian recapitalized banks as a reference point. This paper empirically evaluates the relationship between internal audit and corporate performance. In pursuance of this, a survey sampling of the banks was conducted. The dependent variable was corporate performance that was measured by return on total assets (ROTA).The independent variables were the motivation of internal audit staff and the efficiency of internal controls. The data collected for the variables were subjected to the ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis. The results indicated that motivation of audit staff positively affect bank’s corporate performance; and the efficiency of the internal control was also positively related to corporate performance. It is therefore recommended that Nigerian banks should professionalize the audit departments to optimize the objectives for which they are established.KEYWORDS: Internal Audit, Corporate Performance, Motivation, Internal Control Efficiency, Internal Audit Staf

Incidence Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Amongst Potential Semen Donors In University Of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

The incidence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Prospective Semen Donors where investigated using Standard Laboratory Procedures. 30 Prospective Semen Donors were screened for common STDs/STI at the Human Reproductive Research Programme /Invitro Fertilization Centre of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The incidence rates are Staphylococcus aureus (20%), followed by Chlamydia trachomatis (6.7%) while Klebsiellia spp, Treponema pallidum, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Escherichia coli and Hepatitis B Virus were detected with incidence rate of 3.3% each respectively. Ten percent (10%) of the prospective semen donors had evidence of polymicrobial infection excluding HIV. The risk of sexually transmitted diseases or infection should be of great concern to couples undergoing therapeutic artificial donor insemination. Keywords: STDs/STI, Artificial Insemination, Semen Donors

Usefulness of rapid diagnostic test in the diagnosis of asymptomatic malaria in HIV infected children on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) is a useful tool in demonstrating parasitologically proven malaria. Its efficacy is however hampered  when parasite density is low. Prophylactic use of cotrimoxazoleas in cases of HIV infected children can cause reduction in parasite count. It is  doubtful if mRDT will retain its diagnostic usefulness among such individuals.Objectives: The study sought to evaluate the diagnostic value of mRDT in HIV infected children on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in Benin City.Methods: In the prospective, cross sectional and descriptive study, we assessed malaria parasitaemia using standard methods in microscopy and parasite density and malaria antigenaemia using Care Start Pf (monoclonal antibodies specific to histidine rich protein – 2 antigen) in 221 each of HIV infected subjects on cotrimoxazole managed in a specialist clinic and HIV negative controls all seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital between April and June 2016.Results: Malaria antigenaemia rate MAr (20.8%) was lower than malaria parasitaemia rate MPr (24.4%) in subjects. MAr (20.8) and MPr (24.4%) in  subjects were higher than MAr (18.10%) and MPr (17.7%) in controls. Mean (SEM) parasite count in subjects of was low (50.88 + 2.24 per μl). Using microscopy as gold standard the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of mRDT in subjects were 77.8%, 97.6%, 91.3% and 93.1%. Corresponding values in controls were 100.0%, 99.5%, 97.5% and 100.0%.Youden indices for subjects and controls were 0.75 and 0.99.Conclusions/Recommendations: Sensitivity of mRDT in HIV infected children on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for opportunistic infections (OI) is reduced. However the indices of specificity, PPV and NPV are high enough to retain its value in the evaluation of HIV infected children for  asymptomatic malaria and perhaps the clinical disease. Keywords: mRDT, Utility, HIVinfected Children, Cotrimoxazoleprophylaxis, Benin City&nbsp

The imperatives of internal audit in Nigerian banks: Issues and prospects

Many have argued that internal audit plays a pivotal role in enhancing corporate performance in organizations (Oseni, 1994 and Lav, 2004).This is the focus of this paper, using Nigerian recapitalized banks as a reference point. This paper empirically evaluates the relationship between internal audit and corporate performance. In pursuance of this, a survey sampling of the banks was conducted. The dependent variable was corporate performance that was measured by return on total assets (ROTA).The independent variables were the motivation of internal audit staff and the efficiency of internal controls. The data collected for the variables were subjected to the ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis. The results indicated that motivation of audit staff positively affect bank’s corporate performance; and the efficiency of the internal control was also positively related to corporate performance. It is therefore recommended that Nigerian banks should professionalize the audit departments to optimize the objectives for which they are establishe

Forensic Accounting and Financial Crimes: Adopting the Inference, Relevance and Logic Solution Approach

This study examines some basic and common financial crimes in corporate organizations, situating the focus on Nigeria, and by extension, the developing world. No doubt, financial crimes have affected individuals and corporate organizations negatively. Some instances of corporate scandals, occasioned by financial crimes, have put accounting professional bodies into a new perception and paradigm that go beyond statutory audit. This study discusses financial crimes and some basic and common financial crimes in corporate organizations. The review indicates that the motivations for financial crimes are built around some risk factors, which include the incentive (or pressure), opportunity and rationalization surrounding the financial criminals. This paper canvasses for the intervention of forensic accounting to solve the vexed problems of financial crimes with a further recommendation that the forensic accountant adopts the inference, relevance and logic solution approach (IRLS) in dealing with financial crimes in corporate organizations in Nigeria.Key words: Forensic Accounting, Financial Crimes, Inference, Relevance, Logic

Tax Evasion and Avoidance Behaviour of the Self-Employed Nigerians

This paper focuses on tax evasion and tax avoidance behavior of the self – employed, using some selected states in Nigerian geo-political zone. The study attempts to ascertain the ethical view, educational attainment, mode of tax administration, religion and cultural practices and how these variables affect tax evasion and tax avoidance decisions of the self – employed. To achieve these specific objectives, we examine extant literature on the afore – mentioned issues and use the statistical tools of ANOVA and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method of regression, to estimate the difference in means of the sampled groups in each geo-political zone and relationships between tax evasion and avoidance and the independent variables. Results reveal that respondents are of the opinion that tax evasion is ethical sometimes, and that significant relationship exists between the ethical view, mode of tax administration and cultural practices of the self employed and tax evasion and avoidance. It is therefore recommended that authorities should constantly review tax rates to reflect prevailing economic realities, make  tax laws  and procedures less technical, and ensure that necessary assistance is provided at all times. Keywords: Tax evasion, tax avoidance, tax compliance, the self-employed, ethical view, educational attainment, religiousness, tax administration, cultural practices

Haemoglobin genotype of children with severe malaria seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin city, Nigeria

Abstract: Introduction: Types of haemoglobin (Hb) genotype have been found to be crucial to the rate of red blood cell parasite invasion, multiplication, and destruction as well as outcome of malaria disease. In a bid to provide more information on the relationship between Hb genotype and level of protection conferred by genotype against severe forms of malaria, this study was undertaken. This is done through evaluation of forms of Hb genotype in children with severe malaria seen in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. Patients and methods: This crosssectional study was carried out on children (6 - 60 months old) admitted for severe malaria using standard World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Diagnosis of malaria was by microscopic demonstration of parasitaemia or serology (in those with negative parasitaemia). Hb genotype was done using the Hb electrophoresis. Results: Ninety-six well nourished children; (56(58.3%) males and 40 (41.7%) females) mean age (± SD) 29.22 ± 16.02 months were recruited for the study. Sixty-eight (73.4%) of the 92 subjects had Hb genotype AA while 24(26.1%) Had abnormal Hb genotype. Prevalence of severe malaria in children with abnormal Hb was 20/24 (83.3%) as against 58/68(85.3%) observed in those with HbAA. Significantly fewer incidence of heavy malaria parasitaemia (3+ and 4+) was observed in children with abnormal Hb genotype. Heavy parasite density was the most important features of severe malaria in children with HbAA (p= 0.013) as against altered sensorium, prostration, and haemoglobinuria in children with abnormal Hb genotype (p = 0.003, 0.041, and 0.023 respectively). Children with HbAA were also about 3 times more likely to die from severe malaria (p = 0.567, O.R = 2.96) when compared with their counterparts with abnormal Hb. Conclusion: Study supports a higher prevalence of severe malaria in children with HbAA when compared with those with abnormal Hb genotype. Altered sensorium, prostration and haemoglobinuria were the significant presenting features of severe malaria in children with abnormal Hb genotype in this study.Key words: children, genotype, haemoglobin, mortality, severe malari