ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT CREATION IN NNEWI, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the impact of entrepreneurship education in fostering employment creation among youths in Nnewi, Nigeria, within the framework of the Human Capital Theory. Based on the idea that investing in human knowledge and skills boosts economic growth and productivity, the study used a descriptive survey design to gather pertinent empirical data.  A sample size of 214 was established using Taro Yamane, and the population consisted of 460 people selected from all Nnewi entrepreneurial education centers.  Both primary and secondary sources of data were used, and 206 of the 214 structured questionnaires that were distributed were properly filled out and returned.  Chi-square (χ²) tests were used to test the hypotheses, and mean scores were used to ascertain the central tendency of the responses.  According to the findings, entrepreneurship education gives youths the critical knowledge, creative abilities, innovative business concepts, managerial skills, and strong sense of social responsibility that all play a major role in creating jobs.  The findings highlight the necessity of ongoing funding for entrepreneurship education as a tactical instrument for lowering unemployment and fostering long term economic growth.