INTEGRATING ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SKILL ACQUISITION, AND DIGITAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

approaches to sustainable community development. This conceptual paper examines the synergistic roles of entrepreneurship education, vocational skill acquisition, and digital competencies in fostering sustainable livelihoods. Grounded in human capital and sustainable livelihood frameworks, the study explores how integrating an entrepreneurial mindset with practical and digital capabilities can help to accelerates job creation, poverty reduction, and local economic resilience. Through a synthesis of recent literature and
institutional reports, key systemic barriers are identified, including infrastructural deficits, obsolete curricula, inadequate funding, and limited startup financing. The paper concludes that digital competence is a critical catalyst that amplifies traditional vocational skills and entrepreneurial ventures in the modern knowledge economy. Key recommendations include reforming TVET curricula to embed digital literacy, expanding public-private partnerships, and establishing accessible youth startup funds. Entrepreneurship Education,