Impact of Public-Private Partnership Models on Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition among Technical and Vocational Education and Training Students in South-South, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2026307Abstract
Persistent graduate unemployment and skill mismatches remain critical challenges in Nigeria despite substantial investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). In response, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models have been promoted as mechanisms for bridging gaps between education and industry. However, empirical evidence on their effectiveness remains limited, particularly in South-South Nigeria, a region central to the nation’s economy but plagued by unemployment and underemployment. This study was motivated by the need to evaluate whether PPP frameworks enhance employability and entrepreneurial outcomes while integrating innovation as a potential mediating factor. A descriptive survey design with correlational analysis was employed, drawing on 421 respondents (338 TVET graduates and 83 private-sector partners) sampled from a population of 1,372 using multi-stage sampling techniques. Data were collected through validated and pilot-tested scales measuring employability, entrepreneurial success, PPP models, and innovative capability. Findings revealed that PPP models significantly enhanced entrepreneurial success through incubation hubs, mentorship, and entrepreneurship initiatives, but exerted a negative influence on employability outcomes, indicating a misalignment with labor market needs. Innovative capability did not significantly mediate outcomes, highlighting gaps in embedding creativity and problem-solving within PPP interventions. The study concludes that PPP frameworks must prioritize innovation-oriented and holistic skills training to effectively address unemployment, foster entrepreneurship, and drive inclusive economic transformation in Nigeria.
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