ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF COURSE OF STUDY ON STUDENTS ATTITUDES TOWARDS ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA.

ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF COURSE OF STUDY ON STUDENTS ATTITUDES TOWARDS ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of unemployment among school graduates is particularly frightening in Nigeria. As part of efforts to improve the deteriorating situation, the government at all levels (federal, state, and municipal) is implementing policies to promote self-reliance, creativity, and innovation through entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.

Understanding entrepreneurship and development reveals why Nigeria is classified as a developing economy. The term “developing economy” refers to the extent to which men and women should participate to the creation of viable methods or strategies for achieving economic growth and development.

It revitalises every youth’s dominant potential to provide job opportunities for others rather than seeking employment. It also helps to highlight the government’s role in creating an atmosphere conducive to entrepreneurial efforts.

It also allows the government to design appropriate measures, particularly for combating poverty in the country (Erlinda D., 2011).

1.1 Background of the Study

It is expected that the government at all levels will implement all necessary infrastructure to promote the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the country in order for Nigeria to meet the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target of 2012 and Nigeria’s vision 20-20-20. A vibrant SMSE industry is crucial to achieving the MDGs’ objectives.

Experts have observed that Nigeria may not meet the MDGs target of reducing poverty by 50% by 2015, given the current state of SMSE operations in Nigeria.

Micro (Small) and Medium Scale Enterprises are widely recognised as the driving force behind any country’s development. The number of SMEs within a country determines its rate of development.

According to statistical surveys, 40-50 percent of SMEs in the world’s most advanced countries are owned by graduates or those who have completed college. Given the realities in Nigeria, the reverse appears to be true (Business Day Newspaper, 9th January 2007, p. 13).

Scholars hold differing perspectives on who is and is not an entrepreneur. While the first school of thought believes that entrepreneurs may be created (educated through formal training)

the second group believes that entrepreneurs are born (inherited). They went on to say that entrepreneurs have unique talents and must have the correct attitude and disposition for entrepreneurship.

This growth is expected to instill in students the necessary ability and attitudes for beginning their own business, so making them a better entrepreneur. Given that personal, societal, and environmental elements are the primary drivers of enterprise.

According to statistical data, about 3 million Nigerians become qualified to enter the labour market each year, primarily through universities and polytechnics, but only about 10% of this group is expected to find work in the official sector.

The International Labour Organization collaborated this very poor level graduates, employment yearly (Bugaje, Hamalai & Indabawa, 2002).

Indeed, it is evident that with the amount of growth and concomitant risks in Nigeria, the probability of government having the capability of reducing poverty and attaining the United Nation objective on MDGs 2012 is remote.

Despite the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts to establish institutions such as the National Poverty Alleviation Programme (NAPEP), Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), National Directorate of Employment (NDE)

National Economic Reconstruction Fund (NERFUND), and other relevant programs in collaboration with other world bodies and NGOs, the proportion of entrepreneurship development remains low when compared to other developing countries with developed

Thus, this research is an attempt to explore the individual features of graduating students in order to determine whether some students are more likely to pursue entrepreneurship than others, regardless of their field of study. An attempt will be made to understand the potential influence of a student’s course of study on their desire to establish their own business.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Substantively, Nigerian governments (federal, state, and local) are making efforts to promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and other related programs, but much remains to be done in terms of funding commitment, mobilisation, corruption minimisation, performance evaluation mechanisms, and, most importantly, leveraging on macro-environmental operations variables (Mawoli, M.A. and Aliyu, A.N, 2010).