An examination of forensic audits in Nigerian public healthcare systems: A case study of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
The Nigerian public healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including underfunding, corruption, and mismanagement of resources, which has led to inefficiencies in service delivery. One area where these issues have manifested is in the management of healthcare finances, where procurement fraud and financial misreporting are prevalent (Okoro & Ojo, 2023). Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) is one of the foremost public healthcare institutions in Nigeria, serving as a critical healthcare provider in Lagos State. Despite its role in providing medical services, LASUTH, like many other public healthcare institutions, has experienced financial mismanagement, including the misappropriation of funds meant for patient care and infrastructure development (Adewale & Ibekwe, 2024).
Forensic audits are increasingly recognized as essential tools in uncovering fraud, embezzlement, and financial mismanagement within public sector institutions. A forensic audit involves the detailed examination of financial records with the purpose of uncovering fraudulent activities, improving transparency, and ensuring accountability (Oluwaseun & Daniel, 2024). In the case of LASUTH, the application of forensic audits can play a crucial role in investigating financial irregularities, identifying weaknesses in internal controls, and proposing improvements to safeguard public funds.
This study seeks to examine the role of forensic audits in the Nigerian public healthcare system, using LASUTH as a case study. The research will assess how forensic audits have contributed to detecting fraud, improving transparency, and promoting accountability within the institution.
Statement of the Problem
Despite efforts to improve governance and accountability in Nigeria’s public healthcare sector, corruption and financial mismanagement continue to undermine the system’s effectiveness. LASUTH, like many other public health institutions in Nigeria, has faced challenges related to procurement fraud, mismanagement of resources, and lack of proper oversight (Oluwaseun & Daniel, 2024). The absence of thorough forensic audits exacerbates these issues, as fraudulent activities go undetected, further straining the hospital’s resources and limiting its capacity to provide quality healthcare.
The lack of robust forensic auditing mechanisms in LASUTH has contributed to financial misreporting and inefficiencies that impact the hospital’s operations and the quality of services it provides to the public. This study seeks to examine the extent to which forensic audits have been used to address these challenges and improve the financial integrity of LASUTH.
Objectives of the Study
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To examine the role of forensic audits in detecting fraud within LASUTH.
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To assess the impact of forensic audits on improving financial transparency and accountability in LASUTH.
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To identify the challenges faced by LASUTH in implementing forensic audits effectively.
Research Questions
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How have forensic audits contributed to detecting fraud in LASUTH?
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What impact have forensic audits had on financial transparency and accountability at LASUTH?
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What challenges does LASUTH face in implementing effective forensic audits?
Research Hypotheses
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Forensic audits significantly contribute to the detection of fraud in LASUTH.
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The implementation of forensic audits improves financial transparency and accountability in LASUTH.
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The challenges faced by LASUTH significantly affect the effectiveness of forensic audits in improving financial management.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on the role of forensic audits in addressing fraud and improving financial transparency at LASUTH. The research will examine the effectiveness of forensic audits in detecting fraudulent activities, improving internal controls, and ensuring accountability in the management of public funds. The study is limited to LASUTH and may not be applicable to other public healthcare institutions in Nigeria.
A limitation of the study is the potential difficulty in obtaining internal financial documents and audit reports due to confidentiality restrictions. Furthermore, the research will rely on available data and interviews, which may not fully represent all instances of fraud or mismanagement within the institution.
Definitions of Terms
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Forensic Audit: A thorough examination of financial records aimed at identifying fraud, financial misreporting, and misconduct (Oluwaseun & Daniel, 2024).
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Transparency: The quality of being open and honest in financial reporting, ensuring that all transactions are visible and accountable.
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LASUTH: Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, a public healthcare institution located in Lagos State, Nigeria.
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