Effect of Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System on Wage Fraud Control in Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education

This study aimed to examine the effect of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System on wage fraud control in Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education. Specifically, it assessed the influence of biometric verification, payroll automation, real-time staff record updating, and compliance with audit protocols on reducing wage fraud. The research adopted a survey design, targeting administrative, finance, and human resource personnel from the Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education. A stratified random sample of respondents was selected, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were employed using SPSS. Findings revealed that biometric verification and payroll automation contributed significantly to wage fraud control. However, real-time staff record updating and compliance with audit protocols did not have statistically significant effects. The study concluded that while IPPIS has improved payroll integrity through biometric and automation mechanisms, its full potential is hindered by weak implementation of real-time updates and audit compliance. This study contributes to public administration literature by empirically validating key IPPIS mechanisms in a high-risk ministry. It is recommended that government agencies enhance biometric data updates, strengthen automation infrastructure, improve training for HR and payroll staff, and enforce strict audit compliance to maximize IPPIS effectiveness. These actions will deepen anti-fraud outcomes and support sustainable public sector financial management reforms.