EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN REDUCING GRADUATE UNEMPLOYMENT AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

insecurity in Nigeria. The specific objectives examined the extent to which entrepreneurship education is integrated into the curriculum, assess the impact of entrepreneurship education on students' mindset and skills development, evaluate the relationship between entrepreneurship education and self-employment among graduates and lastly, addressing unemployment and insecurity through skill acquisition and vocational education in Nigeria. To achieve these research objectives, the study adopted quantitative research design. Four hundred (400) sample size was used from Yaba College of Technology Students, Lagos State. Two hundred (200) students were selected, each from Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) programme. Convenience sampling technique was adopted. Pearson analysis was used as the statistical tool for testing the formulated research hypotheses. The hypothesis findings revealed that there is positive significant relationship between entrepreneurship education and academic curriculum. Also, that entrepreneurship education has a significant impact on students' entrepreneurial mindset and skills development. Lastly, the findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between entrepreneurship education and self-employment among graduates. The study recommended that entrepreneurship education should be made more practical and skill-based, incorporating real-life business simulations, internships, and start-up incubation programmes. Government and institutional stakeholders should provide access to seed funding, grants, or low-interest loans to enable students to launch their business ideas.