`ABSTRACT

The role of an internal auditor over the years has become increasingly important especially in the current economic situation as wealth creation depends heavily on efficiency of audit practice as well as how these roles are perceived by auditors. This study is aimed at assessing the audit perception of staff and how it impact on the internal audit efficiency of Uyo Local Government.  To achieve the objectives of this research, research questions and hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. The data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to staff of Uyo Local Government council while the secondary sources include journals, textbooks and other internet materials. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentage and presented in tables to evaluate the research questions while Pearson Product moment correlation coefficient (PPMC) statistical was used to test the hypothesis. The research revealed among other things that audit perception influences internal audit efficiency, that the probabilistic nature of auditing, ignorance and unreasonable expectations are some of the causes of expectation gap. The study recommends better communication between internal auditors and auditees and implementation of appropriate model of the profession to reduce the expectation gap and improve internal audit efficiency.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           i

Declaration      -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           ii

Certification    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           iii

Dedication      -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           iv

Acknowledgment       -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           v

Abstract          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           vi

Table of Content         -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           vii

List of table     -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           xii       

CHAPTER ONE; BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.1 Introduction          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           1

1.2 Statement of the Problem -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           4

1.3 Objectives of the Study    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           4

1.4 Research Questions           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           5

1.5 Research Hypothesis         -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           6

1.6 Significance of the Study -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           6

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study          -           -           -           -           -           -           7

1.8 Definition of Terms          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           8         1.9 Organization of the Study        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           8                                                                                           

CHAPTER TWO; REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           10

2.2 Conceptual Review           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           10

2.2.1 Definition of Auditing   -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           11

2.2.2 Government Auditing    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           12

2.2.3 Concept of Audit Perception Gap         -           -           -           -           -           -           12

2.2.4 Components of Audit Perception Gap  -           -           -           -           -           -           13

2.2.5 Internal Audit; Evolution, Nature and Types    -           -           -           -           -           15       

2.2.6 Objectives of Internal Auditing             -           -           -           -           -           -           17

2.2.7 Essential Elements of Internal Audit-   -           -           -           -           -           -           18

2.2.8 Activities of Internal Audit       -           -           -           -           -           -           -           19

2.2.9 Ways of Reducing Negative Perception of Internal Audit       -           -           -           22

2.2.10 Overview and Structure of  Uyo Local Government Council -           -           -           26

2.2.11 Internal Audit of Local Government   -           -           -           -           -           -           27

2.2.12 Duties of Internal Auditors Towards Securing Efficient Administration and Control In the            Local Government    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           29

2.2.13 Internal Control System In Efficient Local Government

            Administration and Fraud      -           -           -           -           -           -           -           30       

2.2.14 Function of Local Government As Stipulated In the Fourth Schedule

            of the 1999 Constitution         -           -           -           -           -           -           -           32

2.2.15 Sources of Local Government Revenue          -           -           -           -           -           34       

2.2.16 Local Government Internal Auditors  -           -           -           -           -           -           35

2.2.17 Definition and Role of Audit Committee In Local Government Council      -           36

2.3 Theoretical Review           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           38

2.3.1 Theory of Inspired Confidence             -           -           -           -           -           -           38

2.3.2 Role Theory       -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           39

2.4 Empirical Review  -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           41

CHAPTER THREE; RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           46

3.2 Research Design   -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           46

3.3 Population of the Study    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           47

3.4 Sample Size and Sample Techniques        -           -           -           -           -           -           48

3.5 Method and Sources of Data        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           48

3.6 Design and Administration of Instrument            -           -           -           -           -           -           49

3.7 Validity and Reliability of Instrument     -           -           -           -           -           -           49

3.8 Data Analysis Techniques -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           50

CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           52

4.2 Data Presentation  -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           52

4.3 Test of Hypothesis            -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           73

4.4 Discussion of Findings     -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           74

CHAPTER FIVE; SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           76

5.2 Summary of Findings       -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           77

5.3 Conclusion            -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           78

5.4 Recommendations            -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           79