FINANCIAL MISAPPROPRIATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY: IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICE QUALITY AND EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the influence of financial misappropriation on service quality and its implications for educational administration and management in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was necessitated by concerns that the improper diversion and utilisation of public financial resources may undermine administrative efficiency and the capacity of public institutions to provide quality services. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. The population comprised personnel of the Anambra State Civil Service Commission, Awka, from which a sample of 367 respondents was used. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using simple linear regression. The hypothesis was tested at the 0.05 level of significance. The finding revealed a statistically significant relationship between financial misappropriation and service quality (R = .559; R² = .312). The regression model was statistically significant, F(1, 365) = 165.707, p < .001, while financial misappropriation significantly predicted the measured service-quality outcome (β = .559, t = 12.873, p < .001). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected. The study concludes that financial management practices constitute an important factor in public-sector service quality and that weaknesses in financial accountability and control can have implications for institutional effectiveness and educational administration. The study recommends stronger internal financial controls, regular auditing, transparent financial reporting, ethical leadership, continuous financial-management training, digitisation of financial processes, and effective sanctions for financial misconduct. These measures are considered essential for strengthening accountability and improving the quality of public services in Anambra State.