SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMMES AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LOKOJA, KOGI STATE.
This study examined the effect of Skill Acquisition Programmes on Entrepreneurial Intention among University Graduates in Nigeria, with specific focus on Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State. The study was guided by two objectives: to determine the effect of Technical Skills Acquisition on Entrepreneurial Intention, and to assess the influence of Managerial Skills Acquisition on entrepreneurial intention among graduates. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a population comprising all final-year students and recent graduates of the institution. A sample size of 200 respondents was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire, while multiple regression analysis was employed to analyze the data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that both technical and managerial skill acquisition have a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial intention among graduates. The study concluded that skill acquisition programmes play a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurial mindset and reducing unemployment among graduates. It was recommended that universities should strengthen practical-oriented skill acquisition programmes and provide adequate support systems to encourage graduate entrepreneurship.
Keywords: Skill Acquisition, Entrepreneurial Intention, University Graduates, Nigeria.
