ENEMS PROJECT: February 2022

Saturday, 5 February 2022

Constraints to Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria

Agriculture employs nearly three-quarters of Nigeria’s work force, as is the case in most of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Agriculture is the principal source of food and livelihood in Nigeria, making it a critical component of programs being sought to reduce poverty and attain food security in Nigeria. Recent interest in changing agricultural productivity stems from the knowledge that income growth comes from productivity growth and savings supported investment.

In the meantime, the largely subsistence agricultural sector in the country has not kept up with rapid population growth as reported by Nzeh, (2013). Nigeria was once a large net exporter of food but now she imports a large quantity of her food products, though there is resurgence in manufacturing and exporting of food products in the recent time. In Nigeria today, more than 90% of the agricultural output is from the small scale farmers, with less than two hectares under cultivation on average. Their poverty reduction level has been affected further by the unstable or unsteady nature of the economy in the present time.

Meanwhile, there are several endogenous and exogenous factors that have hindered the maximum performance of the agricultural sector in Nigeria but the major constraints which are sector and commodity specific that prevent much increasing agricultural productivity in Nigeria can be summarized as direct participation of the government in the provision of many farm inputs and services, and in the production, processing, and marketing of farm commodities; policy reversals and inconsistencies as reported by Nzeh, et al (2008).

Others are obsolete and inefficient processing equipment, and the inability to install new processing equipment due to high offshore costs; high on-farm costs of agrochemicals for small-scale farmers, so these farmers rarely apply fertilizers and insecticides at recommended levels, constant threats to seed multiplication schemes by fertilizer shortages and lack of protection for the out growers.

In the recent time, studies have shown that even compounding of feeds, which are affected by the low availability and low quality of the constituent raw materials are among the factors that hinder maximum performance of agrarian sector in the country.

Other critical endogenous and exogenous factors affecting productivity in the agricultural sector could be classified under:

Technical Progress: Technological innovations in most cases lead to greater improvements in output per worker. Consequently, a country that has achieved a high level of technological growth tends to have higher worker productivity. This leads to a more capital intensive and labour saving operations. In Nigeria, the level of technical progress is still very low as more than half of the population is still involved in agricultural production using rudimentary technology (cutlasses and hoes).
Quality of Labour Force: Attainment of higher productivity presupposes the availability of skilled labour force. Skilled labour force is required to transform the static past into a dynamic present and prosperous future. The inadequacy of skilled farm labour is further compounded by unavailability of labour, particularly when it is required to satisfy seasonal labour demand. This labour shortage has been aggravated by a substantial reduction in the supply of family labour due to the persistent rural-urban drift.
Capital Intensity: Increased technological developments augment productivity. As the capital stock per worker tends to be high, there would be an increase in worker productivity. Most farmers who are small scale farmers do not have adequate capital to expand their scale of operations and take advantage of profitable packages of technology to boost productivity.
Availability of Raw Materials: It is a well-known fact that no uninterrupted advance in real standard of living can be expected unless resources are domestically produced. Only very few countries, manage to achieve higher rates of productivity over a longer period of time if they depended on the import of raw materials. Productive soil, abundance of water supply, forestry and fishery are great assets to an economy. Equally important is the technical knowledge, not only to harness natural resources but also to retain their quality.
Policy Inconsistencies: Policy inconsistencies often send the wrong signals to stakeholders in agriculture and prevent private sector long term capital investment that could engender increased productivity in the agricultural sector. Frequent policy reversals also results in non-response to government policies by stake holders.
Inadequate Funding of Research Development: Research development which is a major source of increased productivity in the agricultural sector has not been adequately funded in the past. In addition, research findings have not been properly coordinated and transmitted to farmers that are expected to be the ultimate beneficiaries.
Socio-Economic Factor: The nature and character of socio-economic set up prevailing in an economy is a factor that is germane to productivity. There may be adequate amount of raw materials and abundant supply of technical knowhow; however, if the existing political, economic and social institutions are not conducive to improvement, it would be difficult to anticipate substantial gains in productivity.

Even with the numerous endogenous and exogenous constraints to agricultural productivity in Nigeria, one can still say that agriculture is a potent economic growth driver in the Nigerian economy.

Friday, 4 February 2022

ANALYSIS OF THE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BUHARI AND TRUMP

President Muhammadu Buhari was hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss issues, including fighting terrorism and economic growth. Buhari, during the one-day official working visit to the U.S. at the invitation of Trump, have bilateral meeting with the U.S. president and a working lunch. President Trump discussed ways to enhance strategic partnership and advance shared priorities between the two countries: promoting economic growth and reforms, fighting terrorism and other threats to peace and security, and building on Nigeria’s role as a democratic leader in the region.

“The relationship of the United States with Nigeria is deep and strong, and Nigeria’s economic growth, security, and leadership in Africa will advance our mutual prosperity,” the White House said. International affairs experts say Buhari’s U.S. visit is strategic in many fronts, especially in view of the fact that the Nigeria-U.S. relationship was not too good prior to the inauguration of Buhari as president. They say Buhari, being the first democratically-elected African President that would be hosted by Trump since his inauguration and also being the first African leader Trump spoke to on phone following his inauguration as the U.S. president, speak volume.

It is also noted that former U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Nigeria in March in a first five-country African tour embarked upon by any official of the Trump administration. These historic events, the experts say, apart from reaffirming Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa, raised a lot of expectations and opportunities during the visit. The Special Adviser to Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, highlighted some of the expectations and opportunities.

The meeting discussed ways to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries and to advance shared priorities, such as promoting economic growth, fighting terrorism and other threats to peace and security. The meeting further deepens the U.S.-Nigeria relationship as the United States considers Nigeria’s economic growth, security and leadership in Africa to be critical aspects of their strategic partnership. Later in the day, President Buhari met with a group of business persons in agriculture and agro-processing, dairy and animal husbandry,”

The presidency said the Nigerian officials met with Boeing, the largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, on the National Carrier Project. On agriculture, the Nigerian delegation also met with large equipment manufacturers with focus on harvesting and post harvesting equipment. In the area of transportation, the officials met with the GE-led consortium for the implementation of the interim phase of the narrow gauge rail concession. A substantive concession agreement will be negotiated and finalized, to provide the consortium the opportunity to invest an estimated two billion dollars, to modernize the rail line from Lagos to Kano and from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.

In addition, the concession framework and the interim phase framework agreements are expected to be signed during the visit. The Nigerian officials will also meet with U.S.-EXIM Bank and the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation to explore competitive financing arrangements. U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, said the Buhari-Trump meeting “will be a very high level meeting; it will help the U.S. to also understand Nigeria’s projection”.

There was independent conversation on security, governance, the Lake Chad Basin and Nigeria’s role as a democratic leader in the region,’’ Symington said. Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also described the visit as a sign of the growing cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria and there were independent conversation on security, governance, the Lake Chad Basin and Nigeria’s role as a democratic leader in the region.”

The Trade Agreement Sign between the Two Presidents

“The meeting between President Trump and President Buhari centred majorly on security and the economy. President Buhari visit to Trump is quite important because it is going to offer the opportunity for the two countries to reset their ties. Probably the fact that the world is now understanding that Nigeria is very strategic not just to the sub-region but the entire Africa.

Amb. Hakeem Balogun, Nigeria’s ambassador to Indonesia, sees a very positive outing, saying the Nigeria-U.S. relation has improved greatly since Buhari became president and described the relationship as “very warm”. Prior to President Buhari’s ascendancy, the relationship was sort of lukewarm following the American’s complaints over Nigeria’s handling of security issues, human rights allegations, issues of corruption, issues of governance. These are issues which the present government has come in to make the focal point of its administration. And no doubt, even since then, the relationship has been very robust.

Trump underscored the importance the United States places on its relationship with Nigeria, and he expressed interest in working with Buhari to expand the strong partnership. The leaders agreed to continue close coordination and cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and worldwide. Trump thanked Buhari for the leadership he has exercised in Africa and emphasised the importance of a strong, secure, and prosperous Nigeria that continues to lead in the region and in international forums. Balogun also said Buhari’s visit would be a win-win for both countries considering Nigeria’s ability to rally Africa on any issue at the international stage, a diplomatic advantage, which U.S. desperately needs. The U.S. recognises Nigeria as the leader on the continent. It shows that if they (U.S.) have to have a foothold in Africa or to do something in Africa, anything positive, they need the support of Nigeria.

TRADE

Nigeria is America’s 56th largest goods trading partner. The US exported goods worth USD$1.9 billion in 2016, and imported goods worth USD$4.2 billion that year, leaving the US with a trade deficit of USD$2.3 billion with Nigeria. But these numbers are deceptive because US imports are made up mainly of crude oil. Stripping out the oil, the US would have had a trade surplus of USD$1.7 billion in 2016. To alleviate poverty and create jobs Nigeria needs to export more non-oil products to the US. At the very least, Buhari should press Trump to strengthen the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) enacted in 2000 to facilitate the access of African exporters to the US market. Nigeria was the leading AGOA exporter in 2016, with over USD$2 billion worth of exports under the Act.

There are fears that Trump might jettison the Act, or weaken some of its provisions that he deems inimical to his “America First” philosophy. Buhari should defend it unequivocally. And he should tell Trump that Nigeria needs more US foreign direct investment. In 2016 the number was USD$3.8 billion in 2016, far less than the USD$13 billion the Chinese invested in Nigeria in the same year.

There are a lot of cooperation such as the commercial and investment dialogue which we have signed with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “It is really focused on how to deepen the commercial relationship in support of businesses from the two countries as well as the growing trade in a win-win partnership,’’ Enelamah said. Enelamah said that the U.S. businesses operating in Nigeria were looking for a way to increase their investments to improve production and create employment. “There is the big one – the 2 billion-dollar investment – to revamp our existing rail and making sure it is used for cargo and transport. “That is the narrow gauge and the exiting rails we have in addition to all the new ones we have and that is just one investment from one company. “Some of the companies which authorities Buhari had met with included John Deere for assembling and supplying tractors in Nigeria. He said that the company would train, employ people and help the agriculture value chain in terms of mechanisation and automation, among others. The minister said that other multi-million dollar companies such as Cotava and Continental Grains, among others, were committed to making serious investments in Nigeria that would run into billions of dollars. “Boeing is very interested in supporting the aviation sector; it plans to roll out something that will increase the availability of flights from Nigeria while Procter & Gamble is looking to expand its investment in Nigeria. “So, in terms of investment and commitment, there is every reason to be positive, it is certainly in billions of dollars, we need to sharpen our pencils and take it on. “I was encouraged by the level of engagement, commitment and frankly, the way people perceive and assess the opportunities; I think it’s good we had the blessings and the endorsement of the two presidents.

The Trump administration showed commitment and the general impression that it would support what the Nigerian government was doing. Nigeria is gaining a lot; in the area of security, as the American Government is not only selling Tucano helicopters to Nigeria, they’re going to follow it up with training and other assistance. It is also seen that Trump’s commitment (US) would now focus on the agriculture sector in its assistance to Nigeria. In the same vein, Gov.

BUSINESS AS USUAL

The US-Nigeria relationship has historically been driven less by economics, but more by convenience and indifference. While Nigerian presidents covet a visit to the White House, US presidents tend to be indifferent, and sometimes passive, about Nigerian affairs. An example is the blind eye various US administrations turned as successive military dictators presided over Nigeria for three decades. Some of those dictators managed to stash their ill-gotten wealth in US financial institutions.

One can hardly predict the outcome of the trade agreement between country as previous experience were nothing to write home about. However, going by the trade agreement, it looks very promising for both country, but Nigeria have more to do balance its export to United trade of America with non-oil exports.

ANALYSE OF THE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BUHARI AND TRUMP

ANALYSE OF THE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BUHARI AND TRUMP

The Trade Agreement Sign between the Two Presidents

TRADE

BUSINESS AS USUAL

ANALYSE OF THE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BUHARI AND TRUMP

The Trade Agreement Sign between the Two Presidents

TRADE

BUSINESS AS USUAL

AN ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL AUDITORS ROLE IN FEDERAL MINISTRIES

(A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT ABUJA)

ABSTRACT

This research work assesses internal auditors role in Federal Ministries Transport, the main objective of this research work is to determine the extent of effectiveness of fraud detection and control mechanism, to examine the procedures in fraud detection and control in government organizations. In undertaking this research work, both primary and secondary data were used. The primary data were obtained through the use of questionnaires: the secondary data were obtained from the review of related literatures. Questionnaires were administered and Ninety nine were duly completed and returned. Anova method was used for analysis of the questionnaires, it was found out from study that there is presence of effective and adequate internal control system in operation to curtail the future occurrence of fraud in Federal Ministry of Transport Abuja. And that without doubt, this fraud detection and control mechanisms are effective and also it was noted that fraud could be detected through normal audit. In the light of the above findings, the researcher recommends among others that staff should be made to rotate their job from time to time to eliminate any possible exploitation caused by long stay on a particular job to commit fraud. The researcher also recommended that the welfare of the staff in the Federal Ministries should be given priority as this will go a long way to reducing the rate of fraudulent activities in public offices. The researcher further stated that, thorough supervision should be carried out during and after a task is executed that is to say the activities of junior staff should be properly checked by another senior staff that has more years of experience in the field. Finally, Staff Welfare: since average remuneration has been identified as one of the reasons responsible for persistent cases of fraud, it is recommended that the audit staff in particular and the other staff in general, should adequately be remunerated. This will bring contentment to the staff and hence reduces the temptation to get involve in fraudulent activities in the Federal Ministries. All other benefits should equally be improved and paid as at when due.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background to the study

Auditing is the examination of accounting records with a view to ascertaining their accuracy and compliance with relevant statutory provisions, accounting standards, professional pronouncements, and the organisational policies.

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), as cited by Johnson (1996:47), defined internal audit as “an independent appraisal function within an organisation for the review of activities as a service to all levels of management. It is a control which measures, evaluates and reports upon the effectiveness of internal control, financial and otherwise, as a contribution to the efficient use of resources within an organisation.”

According to Gupta (1999), internal audit is an independent appraisal function established within an organization to examine and evaluate its activities as a service to the organization.

Jocelyn (2003:67) traces the definition of internal auditing given by the Institute of Internal Auditors as “an independent appraisal function established within an organisation to examine and evaluate its activities as a service to the organisation.” The objective of internal auditing is to assist members of the organisation in the effective discharge of their responsibilities.

Internal auditing is an independent appraisal function established within an organization to examine and evaluate its activities as a service to the organization. The objective of internal auditing is to help members of the organization in the effective discharge of their responsibilities. In view of this, internal audit furnishes them with analysis, appraisal, recommendations, counsel and information concerning the activities reviewed (Institute of Internal Auditors, 1991).

According to Institute of Internal Auditors (1991), the scope of internal auditor is defined as “The examination and evaluation of the adequacy and effectives of the organization’s system of internal control and the quality of performance in carrying out assigned responsibilities”.

Danbatta (2004) concludes that a properly conducted internal audit is expected to reveal errors, strengths or weaknesses of internal control system of the organization. Base on his conclusion, there is significant positive relationship between internal audit and internal control.

Vos (1997) said that objective of internal auditor is to evaluate effectiveness of financial and operating control, confirm compliance with company policies, procedure, protect assets verify the accuracy and consistency of organization’s external and internal reports. Stoner (1994) was of the opinion or view that the objective of internal audit is to evaluate several of the organization’s reports for accuracy and usefulness and also recommending improvement of the control system.

Tracey (1994) is of the view that it is the responsibility of the internal auditor to review how well the accounting system works and also evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of many operations in the organization. A lot of public sector has been operating without internal auditor. This can be attributed to the fact that few people outside the accounting profession realize the importance of the internal auditor. Emphasis was laid on discharging accountability for the use of owners fund through the internal auditor report. Some public sector management adduces the argument that internal auditors, being employees in public sector do not have the liberty to exercise the unbiased and independent attitude so necessary to an auditor.

Statement of the Problem

In spite of various pronouncements on internal audit in the Nigerian Public Sector, the general opinion according to literature is that most of the public enterprises have failed to deliver on the purposes for which they were established. Many people accuse managers of public enterprises in Nigeria of ineffectiveness and inefficiency in terms of resource control. They argue that poor application of internal audit principles and procedures leads to blatant diversion of scarce resources with its attendant consequences on the traditional accountability of government to the public. However, mention must be made that the ineffective implementation of internal audit procedures in the Nigerian public sector is not only attributable to unavailability of adequate legislations. It also hinges on whether there are adequate punishments for violations of internal audit procedures and whether the punishments are justly and effectively applied whenever need be. With these looming cases against the performance of internal audit procedures the researcher considered it a matter of urgency to have an in-depth assessment of internal auditors role in Federal ministries with particular interest in Federal Ministry of Transport Abuja.

Research Questions

To achieve the objectives of the study the following research questions are answered:

To what extent is the effectiveness of fraud detection and control mechanism used by internal auditors in Federal Ministries?
Are there procedures used in fraud detection and control in government organisation?
Do internal auditors report irregularities to the management?

Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to assess the internal auditors role in Federal Ministries.

The following are the specific objectives:

To determine the extent of effectiveness of fraud detection and control mechanism in Federal Ministries by internal auditors
To examine the procedures in fraud detection and control in government Organizations.
To evaluate whether internal auditors report irregularities to management.

Statement of Hypotheses

H₀₁: Fraud detection and control mechanism used by internal auditors is not effective in the Federal Ministries.

H_A2: Fraud detection and control mechanism used by internal auditors is effective in Federal Ministries.

H₀₂: Internal auditors do not have procedures to use in fraud detection and control.

H_A2: Internal auditors have procedures to use in fraud detection and control.

Significance of the study

This study brings to light the role of internal auditor in fraud detection and control in Federal Ministries which is been limited to Federal Ministry of Transport Abuja as a case study.

Therefore this research study will be of great benefit to ministries, government parastatals, and corporation in order to know the weakness of internal control system of the organization that give room for the fraud and also to determine the existence of the fraud in the organisation.

It will also be of importance to those in academic and researchers in accounting and audit field to have more knowledge on the role of internal auditor, in fraud detection and control.

The above mentioned benefits will improve extensively if they use report Submitted by the internal auditor to management for corrective measures and also all the recommendations will be put into consideration.

Scope of the study

The researcher embarks on an assessment of internal auditor’s role Federal Ministries in Nigeria as a whole. But the resources and duration of the time and cost did not give enough room to cover the entire Ministries in Nigeria at large. For this reason, the researcher took Federal Ministry of Transport as a case study. The period under consideration and review was year 2016.

Limitations of the study

This research is limited to the role of internal auditor in fraud detection and control in Federal Ministry of Transport Abuja; this is because the researcher will not be able to cover all the ministries and government parastatals within the limited time. The researcher also finds it difficulties in gathering data from the research population as they considered such information as confidential.

Definition of Terms

Auditor: An auditor is an independent person who is appointed to investigate the organisation, its records and financial statement prepared for them, and thus form and opinion on the accounting and correctness of the financial statement.

Errors: This refers to an unlimited mistake or act committed by employee in the financial statement and accounting records, whether of the mathematical or clerical nature, whether in application of the accounting principles or due to oversight or misinterpretation of relevant facts

Fraud: This is an intentional act by one or more individuals among management those charged with governance, employees, or third parties, involving the use of deception to obtain an unjust or illegal advantage.

Fraudulent practice: This is an intentional violation of internal control system in an organisation for the acquisition of unjust benefits either in monetary terms or in kind by a fraudster in the Federal Ministry of Transport Abuja Nigeria Misrepresentation: this refers to the reporting of wrong facts in financial statement for the use of the management and other regulatory bodies.

Irregularities: This refers to intentional distortion of financial statements and accounting records for whatever purpose and misappropriation of assets whether or not accompanied by distortion of financial statement and accounting records.

Misappropriation: This could be seen as taking somebody’s money or property for yourself especially when they have trusted you to take care of it.

Finance: the management of large amounts of money, especially by governments or large companies.

Financial Statements: Financial statements present the results of operations and the financial position of the company. Four statements are commonly prepared by publicly-traded companies: balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement and statement of changes in equity.

Parastatal: A company, agency, or intergovernmental organisation, that possesses political clout and is separate from the government, but whose activities serve the state, either directly or indirectly.

Fiction: Is a deliberately fabricated account of something. It can also be a literary work based on imagination rather than on fact, like a novel or short story. The Latin word fictus means “to form,” which seems like a good source for the English word fiction, since fiction is formed in the imagination.

IMPACT OF UNEMPLOYMENT ON NIGERIA ECONOMY

ABSTRACT

This study examines the impact of unemployment on Nigeria economic. The term unemployment has been defined as a situation whereby those who are willing and able to work do not find job. This is mostly seen among graduates of various institutions of learning especially in underdeveloped nation like Nigeria. The study was designed to investigate the impact on unemployment on Nigeria economy. The research focuses on determining the causes and effects of unemployment and how the problem of unemployment in Nigeria will be reduced to a minimal level or even eradicated. It focuses on this objective: to determine the relationship between unemployment and economic growth in Nigeria (GDP).The method of analysis used in testing the hypothesis is the t-test, f-test e.t.c. Data for the study was obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin. The major findings were that unemployment has a negative effect on the gross domestic product (GDP) of the Nigerian economy. Some suggestions and policy recommendations were made based on the findings

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

One of the greatest challenges facing the Nigeria economy is unemployment which has maintained a rising trend over the years. The total labour force in Nigeria is made up of all persons aged 15-64 years excluding students, home keepers, retired persons and stay-at-home to work or not interested. Unemployment in Nigeria is defined as the proportion of labour force that was available for work but did not work in the week proceeding the survey period for at least 39hours.

Unemployment is generally seen as a macro-economic problem as well as socio-economic problem .Unemployment arises as a result of insufficient and non-availability of jobs to correspond with the growing population, even those who are employed sometimes live with the fear of being unemployed due to job insecurity and retrenchment of workers. There is employment of factors of production if they are engaged in production. The term unemployment could be used in relation to any of the factors of production which is idle and not being utilized properly for production. However, with reference to labour, there is unemployment if it is not possible to find jobs for all those who are eligible and able to work. Labour is said to be underemployed if it is working below capacity or not fully utilized in production (Anyawuocha, 2013)

Unemployment can either be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary in the sense that one chooses not to work because he or she has means of support other than employment. Example is an idle rich man. On the other hand, involuntary unemployment exist when persons who are eligible and willing to work at the prevailing rate of pay are unable to find work. (Anyanwa 1995). According to the central bank of Nigeria (2014), unemployment rose to 450% during 2014 statistics on unemployment rate. Unemployment has been seen as a world-wide economic problem and has been categorized as one of the serious impediments to social progress .Apart from representing a huge waste of a country’s manpower resources, it generates welfare loss in terms of lower output thereby leading to lower income and well being of the people (Akinboyo, 1987, and Raheem 1993). Unemployment is a very serious issue in Africa (Vandemortele, 1991, and Rama 1998), and particularly in Nigeria (Oladeyi, 1994 and Umo, 1996). The need to avert the negative effect of unemployment has made the tackling of unemployment problems to feature very prominently in the development objectives of many developing countries.

The socio-economic effect of unemployment includes: fall in national output, increase in rural-urban migration, waste of human resources, high rate of dependency ratio, poverty, depression, frustration, all sorts of immoral acts and criminal behaviour e.g prostitution, armed robbery e.t.c. The social effect of unemployment brings to light the need to proffer possible solution to salvage our nation Nigeria

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Working with the data from the national bureau of statistics, it indicates that the national unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2017 was 14.6%, compared with 13.7% in 2016. The urban and rural rates were 14.4% and 15.0% respectively compared with 10.2% and 14.8% in 2016. Further analysis showed that the distribution of unemployment ranged from 14.1%vfor the age group of 25-44 to 23.5% for the age group of 65-70. Desegregation according to geopolitical zones showed a very uneven distribution with the south-south zone having the highest unemployment rate of 29.5% and south-west at the rear with 8.5%. Between these extremes were the north-east with 18.5%, south-east 18.1%, north central 15.8% and north-west 14.2%. It is based on the increasing problem posed by unemployment on individuals and the nation at large that government has been embarking on various policies to control and reduce unemployment but yet has not yielded any positive result, rather it seems to be escalating. Drastic measures must be taken by government to curtail this problem of unemployment. The statement of problem is based on the economic, social and political effects of unemployment

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.

1. Is there any relationship between unemployment and economic growth?

2. Do unemployment have any significant impact on economic growth?

3. What are the factors affecting Unemployment and Economic Growth in Nigeria?

1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The general objective of this study is examine the impact of unemployment on Nigeria economy. The specific objective include:

To determine the relationship between unemployment and economic growth in Nigeria
To examine the impact of unemployment on economic growth in Nigeria
To identify the factors affecting Unemployment and Economic Growth in Nigeria?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

The null research hypothesis for this work is;

1. Unemployment does not affect economic growth in Nigeria

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this study is to make research on the effect of unemployment for most qualified graduates of various institutes of learning and also qualified skilled labour. The result of this study will provide useful information needed by government to fight unemployment and help create employment opportunities in Nigeria.

The significance of this study lies on the fact that huge amount of resources (human and capital) are unemployed which could cause poor economic performance. This thesis will help policy makers to establish the extent of the effect of unemployment and inflation rates on economic growth. This thesis will improve the body of existing literature and also serve as a policy document. The problems of high level unemployment and inflation need to be addressed in order to improve economic growth.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The scope of this study is centred on the effect of unemployment on the Nigerian economy. The regression analysis was also based on the use of time-series data extracted from the central bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin. The method of analysis used in testing the hypothesis is the t-test, f-test e.t.c. Possible suggestion and recommended were also made.

It is worthy to note that every research work posses alot of problems and limitations. However, the difficulties encountered includes, inadequate and non-availability of relevant data owing to the fact that unemployment in most under-developed countries e.g Nigeria is not evenly distributed and thus varies from one place to another, financial constraint, high cost of transportation and the difficulty in locating the various research centres.

IMPACT OF PUBLISHED FINANCIAL STATEMENT ON SHAREHOLDER’S INVESTMENT DECISION

(A CASE STUDY OF WEST AFRICAN CERAMIC COMPANY AJAOKUTA)

ABSTRACT

This research project was designed to examine “the impact of Published Financial Statement on Shareholders Investment Decision” (A Case Study of West African Ceramic Company Ajaokuta). The primary and secondary sources of data were adopted. Questionnaires were distributed by hand and ninety nine were returned. Upon presentation and analysis of data, hypotheses were tested empirically using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The research revealed the following: Investors do not analyze financial statement before making an investment decision. Published financial statement of a company does not show true and fair view. Majority of the respondents agreed that information contained in the company’s annual report could be reliable for effective investment decision. The researcher recommends that all public limited enterprise should continue to publish their financial statement every year; hence it helps shareholders in making investment decision.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background to the study

Corporate organizations owe a duty to fully disclose matters concerning their operations so as to aid investors in making investment decisions. Both large and small organizations in addition to satisfying the legislating requirement tend to retain existing investors and to attract potential ones through the publication of their financial statements where the capital stock of a corporation is widely held and its affairs are of interest to general public relations.

The purpose of financial statement is to provide reliable information about the financial position, performance, and relevant changes in financial position of a company or business. Listed companies use financial statements as one of the major medium of communication with their equity shareholders and public at large (Cheng and Yang, 2003; Sloan, 1996; Hribar and Collins, 2002).Financial statements according to Illoumezie (2006:33) are like compasses “which navigators use to locate their bearing and find direction”. People use them to gauge their financial positions at various points in their lives in order to judge their progress towards their financial goals.

Financial statements according to Meigs and Meigs (1981:28) refers to reports which summarize the financial position and operating results of a business (balance sheet and income statements). It referred to as general purpose that satisfy the need of many groups generally called stakeholders. These groups are particularly concerned with the risk inherent in and returns provided by their investments, and who require accounting information to enable them assess the ability whether they should buy, hold and sell their investments.

According to Anayaogu (2002:14) financial accounting provides information to eternal decision makes such as shareholders, government, creditors, employees etc, these are people with whom or from whom money is ultimately paid or received. Anayaogu (2002:20) also states that records of financial accounting includes various ledges accounts, profits and loss accounts, balance sheet and other financial records. These records are intended to show the strength, progress, portability, management effectiveness and stewardship.

Financial statement are the means of communicating to interested partners information or the resource, obligation and performance of the reporting enterprise in a simple, clear and understandable form to all its user with such attributer of relevance to decision reliability, consistency and comparability materiality efficiency and understandability.

The annual report and accounts are said to be published owing to the fact. It is being printed and dispatched to each shareholder and any other unfrosted where person on request. The annual reports and accounts are the primary means of communicating vital economic information in the cooperation’s resources and obligation to absentee owners and could be investor by the management. The published financial statement serve as a means of conveying business information to the equity investor groups (shareholders), the loans creditors group, the employee groups, the business contract group, the government and its agencies as well as the general public. It gives a concise and genuine picture of an enterprise profitability trend and its financial position. The information contained in the published financial statement act as a basis for which shareholder maker investment decisions. However, the account days of pre-colonial administration, the preparation and publication of financial reports used by owner managers for internal control and cost determination. At the onset of industrial revolution, trade begins to increase and expand. This necessitated employing managers to manage the business on behalf of the shareholders. Managers positions now necessitated companies to prepare and publish a financial report that would reveal to the owners (shareholders) the operational state and financial position of the company and how the capital contributed by the shareholder had been utilized in the realization of the set out objectives of the company.

The company Act 1963 outline that every registered business organization should maintain and submit audited financial statements every year during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) where it is laid to the members. This is in consonance with the provision of schedule two of the Companies and Allied Matter Decree of 1990 which states internally that the form and contents of published financial statements and with the accounting standard issued from time to time by the Nigeria Accounting Standard Board (NASB).

Meigs & Meigs (1981:14) states that the preparation of financial statement is not the first step in accounting process. At the close of financial period, the stakeholder such as investors of a company naturally desires to ascertain the following:

The result of the company’s operations for the period.
The resources and hostilities of the company over the period in question.
Wealth created by the company and how it has been distributed.
Financial resources acquired and how they have been expanded.

Thus, published financial statement prepared under companies and allied matter decree (CAMA) 1990 supplies information about the above. As a matter of fact, shareholders of any corporation would require annual corporate report published about the entity and which must be relevant, sufficient and reliable.

Statement of the Problem

Virtually, every economic entity maintains its records on a historical cost basis. The historical cost figures alone are inadequate. This is because net profit is over stated, the balance sheet does not reflect the current worth of the enterprises and inflationary situation, and the charging of the historical cost of operations to profit and loss account may endanger the maintenance of the operating capital of the entity. It is obvious that the current situation of published financial statement has some limitations. This is because the result of operation (net profit) is a function of accounting standards, policies and conventions adopted by a company and used in the preparation of the financial statements. Hence this study examine the impact of published financial statement on shareholders’ investment decision making with a particular interest in West African Ceramic Company Ajaokuta.

Research Questions

The research questions help keep the research in focus in order to achieve the desired aims of this research. Therefore the following research questions about the impact of published financial statement on shareholders’ investment decision making are being asked so as to find answer to them.

Do investors understand financial statement very well?
What do shareholders see as the importance of published financial statement of companies?
To what extent do the financial statements of a company encourage investors to invest?

Objectives of the study

The main objective is to ascertain the impact of published financial statement on shareholders’ investment decision making in West African Ceramic Company Ajaokuta. The specific objectives are stated as follows;

To know whether the information in the financial reports of companies are understood and used for investment decision making.
To ascertain the extent the company’s published financial statement are capable of meeting shareholders and investors need.
To determine how financial statement deficiency affects the shareholders investment decision.
1. Statement of Hypotheses

The research would test the following research hypothesis to ascertain whether their correct or not.

H0₁: Most investor does not analyze financial report before making an investment decision.

HA₁: Most investor does analyze financial report before making an investment decision.

Ho₂: Financial statement does not show true and fair view of the statement of a company.

HA₂: Financial statement show true and fair view of the statement of a company.

Significance of the study

This research work is expected to be of great importance to investors and shareholders in particular. It will serve as a guide to individuals who are interested to acquire shares in any firm, company or business organization. It is expected to serve also as an indispensable tool for current and potential investors of business organization as well as companies in their investment decision making by way of providing sound investment strategies for shareholders and other users of published financial statement.

Scope of the Study

This research work is limited to the impact of published financial statement on shareholders’ investment decision making with particular interest in West African Ceramic Company Ajaokuta. The researcher find out all the relevant accounting information that was needed by investors / shareholders of West African Ceramic Company Ajaokuta and the investment states of West African Ceramic Company Ajaokuta using its published annual report and financial statements.

Limitations of the study

This research work is limited to the Impact of Published Financial Statement on Shareholders Investment Decision Making with Particular Reference to West African Ceramic Company Ajaokuta.

In carrying out a research work of this nature, a lot of problems are encountered and the degree varies from one research to another. The obstacles faced in this research work include distance, security challenges, lack of research materials etc.

Definition of Terms
Dividend: Is the distribution of part of the earnings of a company to its shareholders. The dividend is normally expressed as an amount per share on the par value of the share.
Dilution of Earnings: This is when additional shares of stock are sold without an immediate increase in income. This result is a decline in earnings per share until earning can be generated from funds raised.
Earning Per Share: Is the amount of profit after tax and preference dividend (but before taking accounting of extra-ordinary income and expenses attributable to each ordinary share in issue and ranking for dividend during the period.
Financial Information: This is any information dealing with the operation of company and how the fund acquired.
Efficiency: This refers to achievement of organization goals within minimum waste of resources that is best possible use of resources.
Financial Statement: This is a periodic financial reports accounts and other related documents that highlights the financial position of an enterprise as well as the financial profitability.
Investment: This is the commitment and utilization of funds and other scare resources in a project with the expectation, that the utilization will generate return.
Ordinary Shares: These are the common stock of a company which is to be issued out for sale to individual public.

Profitability: Profitability refers to the relationship between profit and the resources employed in earning it. Its resultant effect is usually expressed as a percentage.

RECORD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AT HEALTH CENTRES IN GYALLESU AND TUDUN WADA, ZARIA

ABSTRACT

The research aimed at investigating the Record Management Practices at Health Centres in Gyallesu and Tudun Wada, Zaria. To achieve these objectives, six research questions were formulated and answered accordingly. The survey design method was adopted for this study. The population under this study consisted of staff of the two Primary Health Care Centres in Zaria. A total of 15 respondents from the population formed the sample for this study. The data was collected by distributing questionnaires, which was the instrument used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using the frequency distribution tables, simple percentages and histograms. Based on the data collected and analyzed, the result of the findings indicated that a majority of the respondents indicated that immunization records, antenatal record, deliveries record, family planning, diagnostic notes, referral letters/notes and patient’s folders are the basic healthcare records in Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary Health Care Centres. The following recommendation was given as The healthcare centres should emphasized more on description slips, admission slips, discharge slips, and other records because of their vitality in healthcare service delivery, there is need to collate all information of the patients whereabouts; The healthcare centre should harness the power of records by using It communicate efficiently and effectively to the patient concerning his health status; There is need for the staffs to go for further studies and training to acquire skills on record management; The Kaduna State Ministry of Health through Zaria Local Government Healthcare authority should provide ample space for records keeping, storage and ease; The primary healthcare should time to time train their staffs on how to communicate effectively and listening to get the appropriate and necessary information documented as medical history of patient.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

A Primary Health Care Centre is the first level of the healthcare service delivery closer to the people in the community they live or work. The Primary Health Care Centres are mostly run by organizations, institutions or governments of such communities. Where they are not able to attend to the patient, a referral to a bigger (secondary) healthcare centre for better treatment is given. A Primary Health Care Centre is an approach to health beyond the traditional health care system that focuses on health equity-producing social policy (Starfield, 2011). Furthermore, a Primary Health Care Centre lays its emphasis of health care delivery to the people themselves and their needs to reshape their lives health wise. It also includes all areas that play a role in health, such as access to health services, environment and lifestyle. According to White (2015) primary healthcare and public health measures, taken together, may be considered as the cornerstones of universal health systems.

This ideal model of healthcare was adopted in the declaration of the International Conference on Primary Health Care held in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan in 1978 (known as the “Alma Ata Declaration”), and became a core concept of the World Health Organization’s goal of Health for all (WHO, 2011). Between 1986 and 1992, remarkable and innovative progress was made in the development of primary health care, focusing on the Local Government Areas (LGA’s). As a result, Nigeria was placed in the front rank of countries to have improved the health and quality of life of its people through primary health care. Following the recommendation of a high level WHO review team (Decree 29 of 1992), the National Primary Healthcare Centres Development Agency (NPHCDA) was established to capitalize on these achievements and sustain federal assistance to the LGAs. It merged with the National Programme on Immunization (NPI) in 2007 (NPHCDA, 2015)

According to Milena (2015) Health records are the most important database of health treatment of the patient. Consistent recording by doctors, nurses and other staff is proof of proper monitoring of the health, planning and treatment. Initial health records were used to describe individual processes. Today, health records are a much broader concept than in the past because in the past, it was the doctor alone who recorded data. Health records and documents serve as the basis for the realizing of individual rights, both in civil and legal transactions, as well as the exercise of rights relating to privacy and the retrograde determining health status.

These records contain information which is crucial to human endeavour, that information is an indispensable tool in office work, management, and decision making and in work productivity. This is to say that effectively organized and good management of private and public sectors / organizations‟ records, depend heavily on the availability of current, complete, accurate and reliable information which is generated and supplied on time to facilitate planning, decision making and in order to enhance productivity reported by (Akuso, 2014).

Medical Record is an important document meant basically for recording the treatment procedure for a patient. This record is important to both the patient, as well as the doctor. It has become the only crucial and effective weapon doctors use to counter the false claims of the patient when they file a case against them. As such medical records are evidential documents which can provide significant evidence in billing reviews, physicians self – assessments, etc. where the physician reflects on and assesses the care that have been provided to the patient (Akuso, 2014).

Furthermore, the patients’ records are used daily to record information about the patients’ personal details, prescriptions and diagnosis for future reference to follow-up patients. The information recorded is eventually used to confirm the patients’ health history during current and future consultations. The paces at which the records are retrieved and served for this purpose determine the patient waiting time for the services. This has an impact on the quality of the service rendered by the health institution (Ngoaka, 2011)

Proper filing of patient’s medical records facilitates effortless retrieval and ensures reduction patient’s waiting time at the hospital and ensures continuity of care. It is therefore, very important, that medical records are always kept in the interest of both the clinician and the patient. The medical folder must always be in the safekeeping of the health facility whiles the patient enjoys the right of information.

1.2 Statement of Problem

An effective management of health records is a critical factor in facilitating health care delivery services.Therefore, the roles of medical record remains very vital as they provide the health history of patients contained in medical files for further assessment, prescription of treatments and possible next line of action.

It is not acceptable from the series of reports from literatures of poor record management in facilities, especially in the Public Health Cares and other secondary health institutions in Nigeria. This study investigates the Record Management Practice at Health Centres in Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary Health Care Centres to verify if the problems of poor record management persist.

1.3 Research Questions

What is the basic health records documented in Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary healthcare Centres?
What facilitation roles does the medical health record provide during healthcare delivery?
What are the basic qualification of the medical health records officers in Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary healthcare Centres?
What are the management strategies operated Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary HealthCare Centres?
Challenges affecting the effective and efficient record keeping in Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary healthcare Centres?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine records management practice at Zaria Local Government Primary Health Care Centres.

The specific objectives are to:

To find out the basic health records in Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary healthcare Centres.
To find out facilitation roles does the medical health record provide during healthcare delivery.
To find out the basic qualification of the medical health records officers in Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary healthcare Centres.
To find out the management strategies operated Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary HealthCare Centres.
To find out the challenges affecting the effective and efficient record keeping in Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary healthcare Centres.

1.5 Significance of the Study

This research will assist the Zaria Local Government Primary Health Authorities and its facilities to reveal, identify and make recommendation to achieve quality health care service. The project shall add to the body of knowledge on PHC with particular reference to Zaria metropolis.

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The research was limited to Gyallesu and Tudun Wada Primary Healthcare Centres and the study only focused on records management practices operating within the PHCs.

References

Akuso, A. (2014) Generation, Organisation And Use Of Medical Records In Primary Health Care Centres Of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. [Thesis]. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Milena, M. (2015).The Importance of Health Records. Journal of Health, 7, 617-624.

WHO. (2011). “International Conference on Primary Health Care, Alma-Ata: twenty-fifth anniversary” (PDF). Report by the Secretariat .WHO.Retrieved 28 March 2011.

Starfield, B. (2011). Politics, primary healthcare and health.”Epidemiol Community Health 2011;65:653–655 doi :10.1136/ jech.2009.102780

White, F. (2015). Primary health care and public health: foundations of universal health systems. Med PrincPract 2015 doi: 10.1159/000370197

NPHCDA. (2015). http://www.nphcda.gov.ng/index.php/about-us/our-history

IN-SERVICE TRAINING NEEDS OF EXECUTIVE SECRETARIES IN PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The emergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigeria has posed a serious challenge to all facets of the Nigerian economy. This has necessitated executive secretaries to keep abreast of the current technology as it affects office procedures and operations. For executive secretaries to contribute effectively and efficiently to the achievement of goals and objectives of the organization they have to be retrained and be given a learning environment on continuous basis in order to acquaint themselves with new challenges in the office.

Notwithstanding, there is no doubt that advancement in technology has reshaped and transformed the way executive secretaries discharge their duties. The competent and effective executive secretaryship can be obtained through in-service training programmes. For in-service training programme to be adequate and sound it should consist of three phases, namely: pre-service training phase, on the-job experience training phase, and in-service training phase (Diraso, 1992).

In-service training is a long life process in which an employee is constantly learning and adapting to new challenges of his job. This he does through reading of books, journals and magazines in his area of specialization, through discussion with colleagues and supervisors on matters concerning his profession and attending courses and conferences relating to his profession. The aims of in-service training include: to update the employees and revamp their professional knowledge, skills, and competencies and to broaden their knowledge of the core areas of specialization (Itotoh, 1996). Itotoh maintained that such areas may include: writing, editing, production and distribution of correspondence (publications), maintains all corporate books and accounts, receives and disburses fund (finance), assists in recruiting new members by responding promptly totelephone and e-mail enquires, maintains all membership, maintain all records and files all forms (regulatory) and fluent in Hyper-Text Markup Language (computer literacy).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Technological advancement has been extended to all spheres of human endeavours. Offices are daily modernized through the use of latest equipment and procedures. These affect the executive secretary and his profession. The challenges of new techniques and innovations demand from executive secretaries much greater responsibilities and improved performances on their jobs. The essence of providing in-service training for executive secretaries is to enable them develop professionally, keep abreast on new knowledge and technology in their office procedures and operations. However, Oldroyd (1994) and Mahapatra (2002), have observed that public establishments pay only lip service to in-service training of their employees and this automatically accounts for staff inadequacies such as poor job performance. It is in this Gbosi (1999) maintains that where in-service training exists, it is haphazardly coordinated, poorly monitored and organized. Ofordile (2007) observes that in-service training programmes have continued to experience the constraints of inadequate funds.

This is because employees’ retraining in public establishment is considered expensive in terms of time and maintenance of staff during the programme. He maintains that lack of willingness by the employees to be retrained and some staff with long experience may not show interest in in-service training programmes that do not have any weight for purpose of assessment and they hardly take retraining seriously as a means of changing behaviour of the organization. Therefore, these above inadequacies, if not properly addressed will result in poor performance, difficulty in attaining organizational goals and objectives, and lack of individual development and so on. These anomalies should urgently be corrected for the benefit of both the organizations and their staff members. It is therefore very significant to find out the in-service training needs of executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The major purpose of this study was to assess the in-service training needs of executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State. Specifically, the study sought:

To assess the Information and Communication Technology skills for in-service training needs of executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State.
To assess the human relations skills for in-service training needs of executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State.
To assess the Administrative/managerial skills for in-service training needs of executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State.
To assess the reprographic technology skills for in-service training needs of executive secretaries in Public establishments in Kaduna State.
To assess the micrographic technology skills for in-service training needs of executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions have been formulated to guide the study:

What are the Information and Communication Technology skills needed for in service training of the executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State?
What are the human relations skills needed for in-service training of the executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State?
What are the administrative/managerial skills needed for in-service training of the executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State?
What are the reprographic technology skills needed for in-service training of the executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State?
What are the micrographic technology skills needed for in-service training of the executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State?

Significance of the Study

It is hoped that the findings of this study will be of immense benefit to administrators, secretarial staff, researchers, secretarial education students.

Administrators (management): There is no single organization that can do without training and developing its staff. As such this study will provide adequate information to the management that will go through it to get a foreknowledge of the types of in-service training needs of their staff and the importance of in-service training and the condition that determine that. They could adopt the findings to plan and organize in-service training programmes for their staff.

Secretarial staff: The executive secretaries will be made to realize that adequate in-service training programmes enable them to possess the level of intellectuals skills with which they can perfectly and proficiently handle the demands of their daily routines and to understand that adequate training will help to ensure job satisfaction. The results of the study will hopefully stimulate further research on the in-service training needs of other cadres of the secretarial staff by opening the frontiers of information on more in-service training programmes.

Finally, secretarial education students would benefit from the findings of the study. They would understand better concepts being taught and be able to express their views about concepts encountered in classroom interactions.

1.5 Delimitation of the Study

This study was restricted to in-service training needs of executive secretaries in public establishments in Kaduna State. This study was delimited to public establishments in Kaduna State. The study did not assess other employees of public establishments in Kaduna State. The ministries represent the geographical spread of public establishments in the state.

IMPACT OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT ON ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCY

THE IMPACT OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT ON ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

All organizations are required to keep records of their activities. By keeping such records accurately and up-to-date, organizations can measure their performance, improve their overall financial control and take action whenever problems arise/ (Needham and Dransfield, 1996).

Modern information system have plunged the world into what may be called an information age as opposed to the book age (Akuria, 2001). Information is an essential resource for decision-making at international, national and even lower organizational levels of human activity. However, information to be fully effective, it should be classified, recorded, and stored appropriately in an effective manner. This information is known as a record and the discipline in which record or information is captured, stored and managed in a meaningful format is the substance of records management. Records are therefore a vital tool in the administration of many organizations. The success and failure of organizations and state organs activities all depends on the efficient handling of information (Penn 1996).

The library provides a full service for lending, inquires, reference, photocopying, computer and inter-library loans. Considerable emphasis is placed on helping the students and teaching information skills, through the introductory library orientation program. The library has a computer network system through which you can access the catalogue using the UNESCO – WINISIS software, to complement the traditional card catalogue.

1.2 Statement of the problem:

Every organizational activity depends upon reliable information and well managed records which are essential if an organization is to function, efficiently. With the advancement in technology, there should be an efficient records management system in place backed by technology. Information Technology is used for employee data base, financial and accounting information system, students data base, assets and liabilities data bank. Various aspects of records management in private institutions are not up to date that is there is lack an efficient and reliable information management system to keep all stakeholders informed. There are poor data processes and retention schedules; inadequately .trained personnel to handle data collection, storage and dissemination; inadequate training in Information Communication Technology; inadequate space, unclear chain of command among others. Through the public and private institutions in Nigeria Information Communication Technology was considered an indispensable tool for enhancing productivity, yet little attention is paid to the information management issues and to understanding the forces of change that affect the form and integrity of the record. Staff who understand the functional requirements for record keeping and the competencies and skills required to manage electronic information delivery system are few; legal and administrative requirements for managing electronic records are not implemented. Accurately documented policies, standard operating procedures and formal methodologies for analyzing records are still lacking. It is against this background that the researcher was prompted to investigate the relationship between the records management and efficiency in an organization.

1.3 The General Objective of the Study

The general objective of this study was to explore the effect of records management on organizational efficiency in an organization.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

To examine the influence of Records Management on efficiency in an organization.
To explore and make a critique of methods used by the organization to manage records.
To examine the effectiveness of Information Communication Technology in managing records.
To establish the challenges faced by the organization in modernizing the records management system.

1.5 Research Questions

What influences record management on efficiency in an organization
What methods are used by the organization to manage records?
What is the effectiveness of Information Communication Technology in managing records?
What are the challenges faced by the university in modernizing records management?

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study looks at the impact of records management on efficiency at in an organization. It was intended to find out the nature and practice of records management in the organization, assess the significance of records management on efficiency and examine the challenges of records management in the organization.

AN EXAMINATION OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

1.1 Background Information to the Study

The background information to this study includes an introduction to records management, records management in government organizations and records activities in Nasarawa Local Government.

Records management is a fundamental activity of any given organization. Records are vital to every aspect of governance process and institutions of all kinds should highly embrace records management. According to ISO 15489, as cited by Healy (2001), “records management is a field of management responsible for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use and disposal of records, including the processes for capturing and maintaining evidence of and information about business activities and transactions in the form of records.” What actually keeps the public service going in any modern system of government is having recorded information, which is used for planning, decision making and controlling. For any effective planning, decision-making and controlling to take place, there must have been timely access to records (Amina, 2011).

Records are essential to businesses of all organizations. They improve the effectiveness of operations and document services in organizations by supporting the delivery of services, supporting administration, documenting rights and responsibilities of individuals and evidence of the work in public authorities. Implementation of proper records management leads to good public management since government activities are based on access to information contained in records (Smith, 2008).

According to Kulcu (2009), records are created and maintained to meet the goals and objectives of an organization. Records are the memories of an organization and are used in decision making and the basis of legal defensibility. Without records, governments would find it difficult to address social issues such as poverty, crime, social grants, AIDs, land information, and even the provision of basic services such as water and electricity (Makhura, 2005). Provision of information to people in every corner of the world would positively affect socio-economic and political development.

Fust and Graf (2002), as cited in Ngoepe (2008), suggest that records management is an essential part of government operations in all developing countries. Records management is a discipline that has become very popular in government institutions, non-governmental institutions, private institutions, industries and the society at large. Managing records is the foundation that any government body requires in order to provide effective services and fulfill its purpose of existence. This purpose includes enhancing accountability towards its citizens and protection of citizens’ rights.

Managing records is one of the cornerstones of effective delivery of public services. Governments require proper records to evaluate past performances and also to make future goals. Client satisfaction, quality performance of tasks, and measurable outcomes are increasingly becoming important responsibilities which depend on accessible and efficient records in all institutions (IRMT, 2000).

Today, governments are increasingly recognizing the fact that information is an important component of good governance. Governments are expected therefore, to manage records properly so as to use it to make prompt decisions, enhance accountability and transparency, and to meet their own information requirements (Nengomasha, 2009). Consequently records enable governments to improve service delivery, efficiently use available resources and respond to opinions of its citizens.

According to Ngulube (2004), organizations should ensure proper records management are in place to make possible that valuable information is not last loss of records would unable track of activities to the organizations concerned. Records last within an organization can neither be re-created nor replaced hence the need for proper records management practices (Yusuf & Chell, 2005).

According to Sturges (2000), very little effort has been put on proper records management in Africa. The situation in most developing countries records management is not a major concert for the information. With the rise of inform communication technologies today, Africa and the developing world must emphasis on the preservation and conservation challenges of electronic records. Managing information and records are vital assets to public institution and government agencies. They help agencies plan for short term and long term activities that are beneficial to the institution proper records management is important because it makes government accountable, help in decision making outlines duties, and enable growth enhances a corporate memory of an organization and drives communication within organizations.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Records management is an important activity in all organizations. Poor management of records can lead to difficulties in retrieval of information, with volumes of records clogging up office space. This situation undermines the effectiveness, accountability, and efficiency of the organization’s functions, leading to poor decision making, corruption, fraud, and abuse of the rights of the citizen (Sichalwe, Ngulube & Stiwell, 2011).

The undertaking of devolved functions by Nasarawa Local Government leads to generation of numerous records. In order for these governments to succeed in providing effective service delivery, they need to adopt sound records management practices. However, since county governments are relatively new entities, there is little research available on how they carry out records management activities. It is against this context that this study was designed to examine records management activities and recommend effective records management practices for Nasarawa Local Government.

1.3 Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study was to explore records management trends in Nasarawa Local Government.

1.4 Objectives of the study

The objectives of this study were to:

Establish the current state of records management practices in Nasarawa Local Government
Establish whether records management policies, procedures and filing systems have been implemented in Nasarawa Local Government
Evaluate the performance of the records management system in Nasarawa Local Government
Identify challenges facing records management systems in the provision of records facilities in Nasarawa Local Government

1.5 Research Questions of the study

This study sought to answer the following research questions:

What is the current state of records management practices in Nasarawa Local Government?
Are there records management policies, procedures and filing systems in place in Nasarawa Local Government?
Has the county government records management division established a relationship with other information stakeholders both internally and externally, and how does this relationship or lack of it impact on records management in the department?
What challenges are faced in the management of records in Nasarawa Local Government?

1.6 Scope of the study

The study was conducted in Nasarawa Local Government. It would have been good to conduct research across the 47 counties but due to time allocated for the study and lack of enough resources it would be impossible to travel in 47 counties. Therefore, in this view the researcher chose L Nasarawa Local Government.

1.7 Significance of the study

The findings of this study would aid Nasarawa Local Government, other Local Government and organizations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in managing their records for improved service delivery. The findings intend to complement other existing studies and contribute to the body of knowledge in the records management field. The research findings also hope to form a firm foundation for other researchers in the area of records management.

1.8 Limitation of the study

Some respondents had specialty in ICT, secretarial and business management which limited their understanding on the concept of professional records management. Some respondents cited that they were uncomfortable filling questionnaires for the safety of their positions. To overcome these limitations, the researcher clarified questions when conducting data collection. The researcher also assured respondents that anonymity would be upheld in the study.

Pages

Saturday, 5 February 2022

Constraints to Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria

Friday, 4 February 2022

ANALYSIS OF THE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BUHARI AND TRUMP

ANALYSE OF THE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BUHARI AND TRUMP

ANALYSE OF THE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BUHARI AND TRUMP

AN ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL AUDITORS ROLE IN FEDERAL MINISTRIES

IMPACT OF UNEMPLOYMENT ON NIGERIA ECONOMY

IMPACT OF PUBLISHED FINANCIAL STATEMENT ON SHAREHOLDER’S INVESTMENT DECISION

RECORD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AT HEALTH CENTRES IN GYALLESU AND TUDUN WADA, ZARIA

IN-SERVICE TRAINING NEEDS OF EXECUTIVE SECRETARIES IN PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS

THE IMPACT OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT ON ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCY

AN EXAMINATION OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY