ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AS A PREDICTOR OF SELF-RELIANCE AND JOB CREATION POTENTIALS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENTS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, ZARIA, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated entrepreneurship education as a predictor of self-reliance and job creation potentials among undergraduate Social Studies students at the Federal University of Education, Zaria, Nigeria. Against the backdrop of rising youth unemployment in Nigeria, entrepreneurship education has been integrated into the tertiary curriculum as a strategic tool to foster economic independence. Using a quantitative correlational research design, the study surveyed a sample of 171 undergraduate Social Studies students from a population of 308. The sample size was determined using the Research Advisors (2006) formula. A structured questionnaire, validated by experts and with a high reliability coefficient, was used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson Product-Moment Correlation). The findings revealed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between entrepreneurship education and students' self-reliance (r=.712, p<.05). Similarly, a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship was found between entrepreneurship education and students' job creation potentials (r=.689,p<.05). The study concludes that entrepreneurship education is a significant predictor of both self-reliance and job creation potentials. It is recommended, therefore, that university management should strengthen the practical components of the entrepreneurship curriculum and that policymakers should provide dedicated funding for student-led start-ups and incubation hubs within universities to translate theoretical knowledge into tangible ventures.