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The Roles of Entrepreneurship Education in Job Preparedness Among Students and Young School Leavers in Nigeria
Subject area: Management and Commerce · Area of research: Business Education and Entrepreneurship
Abstract
This report critically examines the pivotal roles of entrepreneurship education in addressing Nigeria's persistent youth unemployment crisis by fostering essential job preparedness skills and promoting self-reliance among young school leavers. The analysis underscores that while policy intent is robust, particularly with the strategic shift from "education for paid employment" to "education for self-employment," significant challenges persist in implementation. These challenges include inconsistent quality of instruction, inadequate resources and infrastructure, and a notable gap between theoretical curriculum content and practical application. Despite these hurdles, entrepreneurship education demonstrably correlates with increased self-employment, job creation, and a crucial mindset shift among beneficiaries. The report highlights that its true value extends beyond mere business mechanics, cultivating a holistic suite of transferable skills vital for any career path. Maximizing the impact of these educational initiatives necessitates a comprehensive, collaborative approach that integrates policy, curriculum reform, robust teacher training, and, critically, a supportive ecosystem encompassing access to finance and sustained mentorship. This integrated strategy is paramount for translating educational outcomes into sustainable employment and fostering long-term economic resilience for Nigeria's vibrant youth population.
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1723716,
author = {Ebuete, Ibim Yarwamara, Daniel Osephni Amieaye-Izante, Ebuete, Abinotami Williams, Ebuete, Eluan},
title = {The Roles of Entrepreneurship Education in Job Preparedness Among Students and Young School Leavers in Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {1309-1321},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1723716.pdf},
abstract = {This report critically examines the pivotal roles of entrepreneurship education in addressing Nigeria's persistent youth unemployment crisis by fostering essential job preparedness skills and promoting self-reliance among young school leavers. The analysis underscores that while policy intent is robust, particularly with the strategic shift from "education for paid employment" to "education for self-employment," significant challenges persist in implementation. These challenges include inconsistent quality of instruction, inadequate resources and infrastructure, and a notable gap between theoretical curriculum content and practical application. Despite these hurdles, entrepreneurship education demonstrably correlates with increased self-employment, job creation, and a crucial mindset shift among beneficiaries. The report highlights that its true value extends beyond mere business mechanics, cultivating a holistic suite of transferable skills vital for any career path. Maximizing the impact of these educational initiatives necessitates a comprehensive, collaborative approach that integrates policy, curriculum reform, robust teacher training, and, critically, a supportive ecosystem encompassing access to finance and sustained mentorship. This integrated strategy is paramount for translating educational outcomes into sustainable employment and fostering long-term economic resilience for Nigeria's vibrant youth population.},
month = {October},
}