Entrepreneurship Curriculum Content and Entrepreneurial Mindset Among Nigerian Graduate

Abstract

Introduction: Entrepreneurship education in Nigeria since its introduction is yet to actualize its main objective of dislodging the mindset from seeking employment after graduation to the creation of jobs through the establishment of new business ventures. Higher educational institutions in Nigeria have increasingly integrated entrepreneurship courses into their curricula. However, the effectiveness of these courses in fostering entrepreneurial mindset among graduates remains underexplored.

Objectives: This paper is designed to examine the effectiveness of the entrepreneurship curriculum content in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among 105 graduates from Nigeria HEIs.

Methods: Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyse the data.

Results: The findings showed that all four factors - foundation knowledge, practical skill development, real-world application, and ethical and social responsibility contribute to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

Conclusions: Hence, the paper recommends that these four factors be incorporated as modules in the entrepreneurship curriculum- within the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS). Focus on practical learning to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world entrepreneurial challenges; ultimately aiming to groom young entrepreneurs to change the Nigerian story by thinking production rather than a consumer nation.