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Recipients of Entrepreneurial education in the University with a prospect

Entrepreneurial Education: A Path to a Better Future for Nigeria

A shift in Nigeria’s educational sector, from traditional ways of learning to Entrepreneurial education has the potential of propelling Nigeria towards economic growth and self-reliance. In this article, we zoom in on its profound impact in fueling Nigeria’s economic growth.

Developing economics like that of Nigeria is majorly driven by entrepreneurs both in the formal and informal sector. These businesses are tagged SME’s or MSME’s as they are mostly in the small and medium scale. It is of a worthy mention to state that these businesses contribute between 70-80% of employment with significant portion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Entrepreneurial Education At its Core

Entrepreneurial education is aimed at nurturing a mindset of innovation, risk-taking, and resourcefulness among Nigerian students. Beyond classroom knowledge, students would be learning to identify opportunities, create value, and navigate challenges. This mindset is crucial for the development of an enterprising generation that can drive economic progress. Entrepreneurial education would equip students with the skills needed to initiate and run their own businesses. This shift from a job-seeking mentality to a job-creating one is vital for Nigeria’s economic landscape. As students graduate with the confidence to start ventures, they become key players in reducing unemployment and driving local economies.

Currently, most Nigeria Universities have some form of Entrepreneurship programs such as the center of Entrepreneurship Development (CED) in the University of Benin. These programs have the same goals, but focus highly on theories rather giving the students practical entrepreneurship skills.

Practical Skills to be gained

The practical skills imparted through entrepreneurial education are closely aligned with the demands of modern industries. Students engage in real-world projects, learn to manage resources, and hone their problem-solving abilities. These skills can make them valuable assets in a rapidly changing job market, thus contributing to the overall economic growth. In this modern day, entrepreneurship and technology go hand in hand. Nigerian students are being equipped with digital literacy skills, allowing them to leverage technology for business growth. This digital prowess not only enhances their ventures but also positions them at the forefront of technological advancements, which is crucial in today’s digital economy. The stories from the founders of Paystack, Fairmoney, and other high-impact startups is a testimony to this assertion.

In practice, Entrepreneurial education in our institutions should encourage students to identify local problems and create solutions with global implications. This approach will not only benefits local communities but also positions Nigerian entrepreneurs as players in the global market. By focusing on sustainable practices and innovative solutions, these entrepreneurs contribute to Nigeria’s image as a hub of innovation.

Challenges to Entrepreneurial Education in Nigeria

Some of the challenges faced by aspiring student entrepreneurs include Limited access to funding and mentorship. Another is the non-integration of hands-on approach to what is learnt. Furthermore there is a lack of curriculum updates and industry collaborations. These two are essential in ensuring that educational offerings remain relevant to the ever-changing business landscape.

Moving Ahead

Entrepreneurial education can ignite economic growth in Nigeria by fostering a generation of innovative thinkers and self-starters. By instilling an entrepreneurial mindset, imparting practical skills, and emphasizing technology integration, Nigeria will be sowing the seeds for a future where its youth are not just job seekers, but catalysts for economic transformation. As the nation continues to invest in this transformative education model, the ripple effects on its economy are bound to be both substantial and lasting.

 Damilola Soyomokun

A content writer, a statistician and a tech enthusiast

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