Assessing Entrepreneurship Education Advancement and Graduates’ Economic Development in Cross River State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of entrepreneurship education on graduates' economic development in Cross River State, Nigeria. Employing a correlational research design, two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the investigation. A correlational research design was adopted, and a sample of 400 respondents was drawn from a population of 2,200 recent Business Education graduates across the University of Calabar and the University of Cross River State. Data were collected using two validated instruments titled: Entrepreneurship Education Assessment Questionnaire (EEAQ) and the Economic Development Performance Test (EDPT). The EEAQ demonstrated a high internal consistency with a split-half reliability estimate of .95, while the EDPT yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.70, indicating adequate reliability for the study. Data analysis was conducted using frequency counts, simple percentages, and Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Analysis. The findings revealed that while entrepreneurship education components, such as curriculum quality, teaching methodologies, and practical experiences, did not significantly predict graduates' economic development, there was a notable positive correlation between hands-on training and graduates' economic outcomes. It was concluded that the elements of entrepreneurship education, including curriculum and instructional strategies, do not collectively exert a significant impact on economic development in Cross River State. Nonetheless, the study emphasises the importance of hands-on training as a beneficial factor in enhancing graduates' economic prospects. Recommendations include the implementation of more practical-oriented entrepreneurship programmes and collaborations with industry stakeholders to foster real-world engagement, thereby improving graduates' economic development in the region.
Downloads
References
Adebisi, K., & Olayemi, T. (2021). Practical entrepreneurship training and job creation: Evidence from vocational and technical universities in Nigeria. International Journal of Vocational Studies, 8 (3), 88-102.
Adediran, E., Afolabi, O., & Ogunleye, J. (2021). University-industry partnerships as a strategy for graduate employability and job creation in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Education and Employment, 9(3), 34-50.
Adeyemi, F., & Ojo, A. (2020). Bridging the skills gap: Challenges in graduate employability and job creation in Nigeria. Journal of African Education Studies, 12(3), 34-49.
Akinyemi, O., & Salau, T. (2022). Psychological factors affecting graduate entrepreneurship and job creation in Nigeria. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Development, 18(1), 98-113.
Asu-Okang, S. (2019). Internal quality assurance processes and the attainment of universities educational objectives in Cross River State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Educational Administration and Planning, 19(4), 312-325.
Asu-Okang, S., Nwosu, P.O. & Ntaji, M.E. (2021). Lecturers’ perception of entrepreneurship education and graduates job creation for self-reliance in Cross River State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Educational Administration and Planning, 21(1), 110-118. 18
Bello, T., & Hassan, M. (2021). Infrastructure deficits and economic instability as barriers to graduate job creation in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Economic Development, 9(2), 22-38.
Eze, J., & Obinna, U. (2022). Corruption and bureaucracy: Key barriers to job creation among Nigerian graduates. Public Administration Review, 15(4), 50-64.
Fanan, G.A., Ategwu, P.O., & Kenn-Aklah, F.U. (2023). Supervision of entrepreneurial variables and job creation skills among undergraduate universities in public universities in Abayi. State. Benue State University. Journal of Education, 23 (2) 92-98
Ibrahim, K., & Musa, T. (2020). Integrating entrepreneurial training into university curricula to enhance job creation in Nigeria. Journal of African Education and Development, 14(2), 45-60.
Ibrahim, M., & Yusuf, A. (2022). Entrepreneurship education as a tool for youth empowerment and job creation in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Business and Development Studies, 18 (2), 55-70.
Nnaji, E., Adekunle, G., & Eze, A. (2022). Tracking the impact of entrepreneurship education on business creation among Nigerian graduates. Journal of Developmental Studies, 20 (4), 102-118.
Okafor, C., & Nnadi, I. (2021). The role of university-led business incubation hubs in promoting graduate entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 10(1), 78-92.
Okonkwo, P., Adewale, K., & Chukwu, I. (2021). Access to funding and its impact on graduate entrepreneurship in Nigeria. African Journal of Business and Innovation, 7(1), 75-89.
Okoro, J., & Uche, C. (2021). The role of entrepreneurship education in fostering job creation among university graduates in Nigeria. African Journal of Entrepreneurship, 10 (1), 12-25.
Olaniyi, A., & Adekunle, F. (2022). "Digital skills training as a strategy for enhancing job creation among Nigerian graduates. African Journal of Technological Development, 8(4), 56-70.
Olawale, T., & Adebayo, S. (2020). Entrepreneurship education as a solution to graduate unemployment in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. Journal of Nigerian Studies, 15(2), 45-60.
Usman, S., & Bello, R. (2022). Leveraging alumni networks to support graduate job creation in Nigerian universities. International Journal of Higher Education Management, 12(1), 88-102
Copyright (c) 2025 Catherine Kaning Agbongiasede, PhD, Martha Edu Akanimoh, PhD, Onah Peter Ogbaji, PhD, Nsor Judith, Bright Abam Arikpo
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
