Assessment of Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition among Upper Basic Science Students in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2026345Abstract
This study assessed the entrepreneurial skills acquired by Upper Basic Science students in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Six research questions guided the study, focusing on skills taught, extent of acquisition, influencing factors, gender differences, relevance to real-world business, and areas requiring improvement. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a population of 1,820 JSS 3 students from public and private secondary schools. Using multi-stage sampling technique, 320 students were selected from 10 randomly chosen schools. A validated 75-item questionnaire titled "Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition Questionnaire for Upper Basic Science Students (ESAQUBSS)" with reliability coefficient of 0.871 was used for data collection. Out of 320 questionnaires administered, 312 were properly completed, representing 97.5% response rate. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation. Findings revealed that entrepreneurial skills are taught in the curriculum (M=2.67) with emphasis on problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, but inadequate attention to financial literacy, marketing, and customer service. Students acquired skills to a moderate-high extent (M=2.59), with stronger acquisition of cognitive skills but weaker mastery of practical business competencies. Personal motivation, practical activities, and real-life examples significantly influenced acquisition. The study recommended curriculum enhancement, improved practical training, teacher capacity building, adequate resource provision to strengthen entrepreneurship education for economic empowerment and youth self-reliance.
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