The Association of Forensic Accounting Researchers has said it is committed to the development of forensic accounting research in the country to curb incidence of financial fraud.
The Chairman, AFAR Governing Board, Prof Muhammad Mainoma, said this during the association’s first intensive training and induction programme in Lagos.
Mainoma said, “People tend to do new things when there is dissatisfaction with the status quo or when there is new reality. Apart from the fact that there is growing concern on the level of fraud cases, scholars also see the need to support the courts to get conviction on matters of fraud.
“You could ascertain that fraud has actually taken place but you may not have evidence to convict anybody. This reality has necessitated the development of the body of knowledge that can establish basis for conviction.”
During the event, 150 fellows, 10 associates and six patrons were inducted as members of the association.
The association also launched its first journal, the print version and unveiled a book on forensic accounting research development.
AFAR also gave awards of meritorious service to deserving Nigerians.
The Vice-President, Dr Titilayo Fowokan, said the association would help to pull together resources in forensic researches in Nigeria and Africa.
Empirical research studies have shown that research and development are important contributors to economic growth, she said.
AFAR Global President, Godwin Oyedokun, said the association was the first and the world’s largest platform for forensic account researches with members from all countries of the world.
