An Assessment of Forensic Accounting Techniques and Fraud Prevention: A Study of University of Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract:

This study examined the effect of forensic accounting techniques on fraud prevention in public universities in North-Central Nigeria, using the University of Abuja as the focal context. Fraud prevention served as the dependent variable, while the independent variables consisted of three major forensic accounting techniques and their proxies: data analytics, financial statement analysis, and interviews and interrogations. The study adopted a survey research design, and structured questionnaires were administered to a sample of 85 non-academic staff involved in financial management, auditing, and administrative oversight. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), multicollinearity tests, and reliability diagnostics. The results revealed that the forensic accounting techniques used in this study all have a significant effect on fraud prevention. The study concludes that forensic accounting techniques play a critical role in improving transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of fraud control systems in Nigerian public universities. It recommends that the University of Abuja management invest in digital forensic tools, institutionalize periodic financial reviews, strengthen investigative units, and develop a comprehensive forensic accounting policy to ensure sustained fraud prevention and improved governance.