Corporate Governance and Earnings Management in Money Deposit Banks in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines corporate governance and earnings management in money deposit banks in Nigeria. The research design is ex-post facto. Multiple regression analysis was used in analyzing the data sourced from published financial statement of the banks under study. A significant outcome of the study is that corporate governance mechanisms impact positively and significantly on Earnings per share. A major implication of the findings is that compliance with code of governance as issued by regulatory authorities will support enhanced and superior financial performance among other things. Conclusively, the study has shown that right application of corporate governance mechanisms in Nigeria will be of great benefit to all corporate stakeholders.

Keywords: Earnings per share, Board size, Board composition, Board meeting, ownership structure.