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Entrepreneurial Education and Employment Generation: Evidence from Management Science Graduates in South-East Nigeria

Okechukwu Ferdinand CyrilNwuche, PhD

Abstract

This study examined the effect of entrepreneurial education on employment generation among management science graduates in South-East Nigeria. Specifically, it sought to ascertain the effect of practical skills training and entrepreneurial curricula content on employment generation. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted to collect data at a single point in time from the targeted population. The population comprised all management science graduates from public and private universities in South-East Nigeria, with a sample size of 384 respondents determined using Cochran’s formula. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring practical skills training, entrepreneurial curricula content, and employment outcomes. The hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis at a 5% significance level. It was found that: practical skills training has a positive and significant effect on employment generation among management science graduates (? = 0.573, p = 0.000); entrepreneurial curricula content has a positive but non-significant effect on employment generation among management science graduates (? = 0.047, p = 0.375). In conclusion, practical skill acquisition contributes to the creation of micro and small enterprises, enhancing local economic activities and encouraging innovation-driven employment. The study recommended that university management and program coordinators should prioritize the design and delivery of experiential learning modules that equip students with hands-on skills relevant for self- employment and job creation.

Keywords

Entrepreneurial education employment generation Management science

References

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