Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and financial reporting quality in the Nigerian banking industry. Corporate governance has been a critical issue globally, particularly in the aftermath of corporate scandals that have eroded investor confidence in financial markets. The Nigerian banking sector, as a key player in the country's economy, faces similar challenges in ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in financial reporting practices. The study will employ a quantitative research design to analyze data collected from annual reports and financial statements of selected Nigerian banks over a specific period. Key corporate governance mechanisms such as board independence, CEO duality, board size, and audit committee effectiveness will be examined in relation to financial reporting quality indicators like earnings management, timely disclosure, and adherence to accounting standards. By exploring these relationships, the research seeks to contribute to the existing literature on corporate governance and financial reporting in emerging economies, particularly in the context of the Nigerian banking industry. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for regulators, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders in the banking sector to enhance corporate governance practices and financial reporting transparency. The research methodology will involve collecting secondary data from annual reports and financial statements of selected Nigerian banks, using content analysis and statistical techniques to analyze the data. The sample selection will be based on specific criteria to ensure representation of different bank sizes and ownership structures in the industry. The study's theoretical framework will draw on agency theory, stewardship theory, and institutional theory to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and financial reporting quality. The research will also consider the unique institutional context of the Nigerian banking industry, including regulatory frameworks, cultural influences, and market dynamics that may affect corporate governance practices and financial reporting outcomes. Overall, this research aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on corporate governance and financial reporting by examining the Nigerian banking industry's specific context. The findings of this study are expected to have practical implications for improving corporate governance practices and financial reporting quality in the Nigerian banking sector, ultimately enhancing investor confidence and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Thesis Overview

1.2     STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
With the increasing dynamism and complexity of modern business operations, coupled with the ever-present accounting scandals of high profits companies such as Cadbury plc and Enronlinc have questioned the effectiveness of corporate governance mechanism and the quality of financial reports and the credibility of audit functions.
Since ownership is separated from in their own interest, rather than the interest of shareholders whom they represent. They could manipulate financial statements, giving investors misleading impression about the financial position of the corporation. As a result, financial reports in most cases, do not reflect the true and fair position of the corporation.
Therefore. The need for accurate, reliable, timely and accessible financial reports is imperative in order to maintain corporate accountability so as to achieve organizational goals and quick decision making.

1.3     OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The followings are the purpose of the study:

1.4     RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Olannye, (2006) defined research questions as the major questions to which the researcher seeks to provide answers to, in the course of the investigation. It is for this reason that this research is being designed to provide answers to the following research questions:

1.5     RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Hypotheses are tentative statement about expected relationship(s) between independent and dependent variables (Olannye, 2006). In order to successfully find solution to the problem of the study, some tentative statements known as research hypothesis had been formulated. They include the following:
1.       Ho1: There is no significant relationship between corporate governance and financial reporting.
2.       Ho2: Corporate governance does not enhance management and shareholders relationship through transparency and accountability.
3.       Ho3: Financial reports are not used for quick decision making

1.6     SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of this research work on corporate governance and financial reporting in the Nigerian Banking Industry is to provide the reader with a detailed understanding of the relationship between corporate governance and financial reporting.
In the same vein, in attempting to resolve the statement of research problems, I shall deal with the relationship that exist between the management of corporations and their shareholders. In a bid to ensure that the financial statement prepared by the directors reflects a true and fair view of the financial position of the corporation, so as to achieve maximum organizational goals and quick decision making