INFLUENCE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the influence of information technology on internal control systems in tertiary institutions in Osun State with the aim of determining whether or not information technology has a major influence on tertiary institutions' internal control systems. A descriptive research design was adopted while the population of the study consists of tertiary institutions in Osun State, Obafemi Awolowo University was chosen using judgmental sampling technique because of her accessibility and convenience. One hundred and twenty (120) copies of the questionnaire were distributed while hundred (100) copies were returned and analyzed using regression analysis. Findings from the study revealed that information technology significantly influences internal control systems and significantly influences internal audit processes in tertiary institutions in Osun State with t-value and p-value of 20.029 and 0.000, 19.049, and 0.000 respectively. It was concluded that information technology enhances and strengthens internal control systems and internal audit processes in tertiary institutions. The study, therefore, recommended that tertiary institutions should embrace information technology so as to strengthen the internal control systems of their institutions, internal control systems should be jealously guided to prevent fraudulent activities, duties must be properly segregated technologically so as to determine who to be held responsible when there are infractions and finally, both on-the-job and off-the-job training in information technology should be embraced by management of tertiary institutions so as to update the required skills and knowledge of their staff in information technology