RELEVANCE OF AUDITORS’ REPORT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: AN EMPIRICAL REVIEW OF THE UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION BOARD

Abstract

This study examines the relevance of auditing in enhancing public sector performance, using the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) as an empirical case study. The increasing demand for transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources has heightened the importance of effective auditing systems within government institutions. Despite several public financial management reforms, inefficiencies in fund utilization, weak internal controls, and inadequate accountability continue to constrain service delivery in Nigeria's education sector. Drawing on agency theory and institutional theory, the study synthesizes empirical evidence from scholarly literature published between 2018 and 2025 to evaluate the relationship between audit effectiveness and organizational performance in public institutions. The review reveals that independent auditing, internal control systems, auditor competence, and timely implementation of audit recommendations significantly improve financial accountability, operational efficiency, and educational service delivery. However, political interference, inadequate funding, shortage of skilled auditors, and weak enforcement of audit recommendations remain major obstacles. The study concludes that strengthening audit independence, enhancing institutional capacity, adopting digital auditing technologies, and enforcing compliance with audit findings will substantially improve the performance of Universal Basic Education Boards and other public sector organizations. The findings contribute to the growing literature on public sector auditing and provide policy recommendations for improving governance and educational outcomes in developing economies.