ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA: RELEVANCE, CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES

Abstract

This paper discusses the need for entrepreneurship education in tertiary Institutions in Nigeria. The spate of youth restiveness and graduate unemployment in recent times have compelled the Federal government to search for immediate but lasting solution to the scenario, hence the introduction of entrepreneurial studies across disciplines in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. The introduction of entrepreneurial teaching and learning especially in Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education is a new development in the education system. It is hoped that it will assist graduates become self employed rather than searching for non-existent paid employment. This paper therefore argues that entrepreneurship education will equip students in tertiary institutions with job specific skills for self employment. The objectives and strategies for re-designing entrepreneurship education are also discussed. The paper recommends that educational programmes at all levels of education should be functional and dedicated to the acquisition of job specific skills capable of generating self employment for the recipient.