THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN DEVELOPING STUDENTS ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS IN NIGERIA SECONDARY SCHOOL

Abstract

The significance of Small Enterprises to an economy development of a country cannot be ignored. Therefore, the growth of a business depends on the development of abilities needed to execute a smooth running of day to day business activities. Research established the fact that the flat economy growth of region relies on the extent of trade activities in the area. Given this importance of enterprise, this present study aims at developing an understanding of the influence of entrepreneurial skills on small scale businesses in Nigeria compare with as perceived by small scale enterprise owners. The research will benefit the researcher, small scale business owners in Nigeria, Policymakers, and other researchers. Data collection was through a survey questionnaire, and it was administered to a population of 18 small scale business owners Ariaria market, Aba, Abia State. Moreover, this survey was used to validate the study conceptual framework and establish an insight on the opinion of business owners of the context. The study findings were that entrepreneurial education and  skills have a significant influence on the growth of small scale businesses in Nigeria . However, the respondent in Nigeria agreed that creative thinking, Problem solving and communication skills are critical for increase sales and competitive advantage. Moreover, the respondent in Nigeria strongly agrees that high level of creative thinking with a bit of problem solving and communication skills will lead to the  growth of small scale business.

 

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1  BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The word entrepreneur is derived from the French verb enterprendre, which means ‘’to undertake’’. This refers to those who undertake the risk of establishing new enterprises. An enterprise is created by an entrepreneur. It is the willingness to take risk and develop, organize and manage a business venture in a competitive global market place that is constantly evolving. An entrepreneur is an initiator, risk bearer, marketer, promoter and manager of a new business enterprise (Igbo, 1997). The knowledge of accounts and of costing is crucial for a successful entrepreneur to strive and sustain his/her enterprise. This obliged Aniagboso (1998) to declare that the ability to keep sales and purchase records are needed for the growth and substance of every business venture.

Entrepreneurship Education is the core of both individual’s and society’s economy. For an individual to meet up with the demands of the society he needs some skills; with these skills, he can explore his environment for the betterment of both himself and the larger society. The social dimension of vocation is in form of preparation of individual for the world of work, and based on this, vocational education is found in all societies that have occupational structures. It is reasoned therefore that it is only through entrepreneurship education programme that school leavers (youth) will be introduced to self-employment. Njoku and Nwosu (2010) citing Anyakoha (1993) stated that entrepreneurship education deals with the acquisition of right habits, attitudes, and the skills as well as means of surviving in the face of unemployment.

The level of skill among secondary student’s running business on their own has a high level of education enhancement in understanding and control in business. Entrepreneurship education has been embraced by almost all the developed countries and its capabilities and efficacy in springing up economies is not in doubt. It is believed that refocusing education system will immensely contribute in developing the spirit and culture of entrepreneurship among student. Entrepreneurial education is essential not only to shape the mindsets of young people or student but also to provide the skills and knowledge that are central to developing an entrepreneurial culture. Entrepreneurship education provides students motivation, knowledge, and skills essential for launching a successful venture company (Cho, 1998).

The small Scale enterprises division has a significant role in the economic development of most countries of the world and notably vital for-profit generation to owners (Ebiringa, 2011). It is, therefore, a known fact that small scale businesses contribute meaningfully to achieving general economy development. This contribution can bring about a surge of GDP, improvement in the way of living, and reduce the rate of unemployment (Perks and Smith, 2006). As a result of these facts, any economy should maximize the benefit provided by such venture. However, Nigeria has not been able to identify the full importance of this sector despite the country position as the world leader in entrepreneurial spirit (Global Entrepreneurial Monitor, 2012) Entrepreneurship skills are vital to the growth and survival of Small scale enterprise (Amatori, 2006). Therefore, skills are the knowledge demonstrated through actions or a unique performance in certain situations. Skills are attained and developed through training (Zehra, 2016). Nevertheless, reaching maintainable business growth is a task that requires special skills (Perks and Smith, 2006). With the above scenario, it is most likely for a business to succeed more if business owners could have sufficient entrepreneurial skills.  These skills provide benefit for start-ups and it is as well useful throughout the lifecycle of a business.

The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of the essentiality of entrepreneurial skills and how these skills can impact small scale business growth. This study aims to examine the influence of entrepreneurial skills for achieving a successful business and identified the most valuable skills that can contribute to business growth.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Small enterprises generate major growth, wealth and well-being in many countries and this increase came about by the establishment of an environment which provides urge for both start-up and growth-oriented businesspersons. Thus, reducing the obstacles forced to existing firms, and providing opportunities to learn from mistakes (Pyysiäinen; Anderson; Mcelwee; and Vesala, 2006). According to the studies of (Henry; Hill; and Leitch. 2003; Undiayaundeye, 2015) entrepreneurs are identified as the engine of economic progression and the creation of wealth, and they are important the quality of life by providing employment opportunities for both the educated and less educated. However, despite the rigorous contribution of this sector, the problems of unemployment are not total resolved globally.

According to Global Entrepreneurial Monitor (2012), Nigeria is a world leader in entrepreneurial spirit, and they believe they have necessary skills and knowledge. However, despite this report, the amount of failed small scale enterprises has not reduced in recent years. The focus of research in entrepreneurship over the years is on building theory without the consideration or attention on what it takes for a venture to survive. The empirical studies of Bosire and Nzaramba (2013) in their findings, concluded that development of entrepreneurial skills could serve as a measure for improving the self-reliant of startups and established entrepreneurs. Similarly, (Coric, Katavic, and Kopecki,) claims that entrepreneur’s success depends on the connection of crucial entrepreneurial skills for starting businesses, as well as the survival and development in their early years. However, such study is still missing in Nigeria context to the best of the researcher knowledge. Additionally, the research of Undiayaundeye (2015) identified lack of entrepreneurial skills among graduates and thus, degenerate to failed entrepreneurial journey of business owners. As a result of the above discussions, this study, therefore, intends to examine the influence of entrepreneurship education on  skills needed by small scale business owners for small scale business growth. A case study of Ariaria market in Abia State and  the perception of minority entrepreneurs in this area will be considered, for the reason of exploring any the most efficient skills used in a developed economy so that it can be a learning curve for business owners in Nigeria. This study aims to examine the weight of entrepreneurial skills on small scale business growth in Nigeria.

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions were stated to guide the study:

1. What are the relationships that exist between entrepreneurial education and growth of small scale business among student in Nigeria?
2. In what ways has entrepreneurial education exerted a significant effect on the acquisition of creative skills needed by small scale business owners for small scale business growth in Nigeria?

• How can it be demonstrated that entrepreneurial education and skill acquisition training has significant influence on growth of small scale businesses in Nigeria?

1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1. To determine the relationships that exist between entrepreneurial education and growth of small scale business in Nigeria among student.
2. To determine the ways in which entrepreneurial education has exerted on acquisition of creative skills needed by small scale business owners in secondary schools for small scale business growth in Nigeria.

• To demonstrate that entrepreneurial education and skill acquisition training has significant influence on growth of small scale businesses in Nigeria.

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

The following null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance,

1. Ho1: There is no significant relation between- entrepreneurial education and growth of small scale businesses among students in Nigeria.
2. Ho2: There is no significant effect of entrepreneurial education on acquisition of creative skills needed by small scale business owners for business growth.
3. Ho3: Entrepreneurial education and skill acquisition has no significant influence on growth of small scale businesses in Nigeria.

 1.6 RATIONALE AND MOTIVATION FOR THE RESEARCH

The reason this study is carried out is to enhance the knowledge about the entrepreneurial perspectives of the minority entrepreneurs in the developing economies like Nigeria. The study will be beneficiary to policy makers, business communities, and other researchers that want more knowledge on entrepreneurship skills and small scale enterprise development. Business communities will be informed on the essentiality of abilities for their general business management. Also, the entrepreneurs in Nigeria will have an understanding of skills perception of business owners in developed country. To policymakers, this study might be informative in building a strategy for improving citizen’s entrepreneurship skills for small scale business efficiency.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This research study shall be limited to discussions in Nigeria. However, reference shall be made to other jurisdictions where necessary for widest analysis of the subject matter.

 

THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN DEVELOPING STUDENTS ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS IN NIGERIA SECONDARY SCHOOL

 

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