Authors: Akala Jonah, Jessica Tsaiknom Gimbason & Nwomah Favour Samuel
Journal pages: 245–254
Area: Entrepreneurship / Youth development / Economic development

Abstract

The paper examines entrepreneurship education as a mechanism for empowering Nigerian youths.

Its central argument is that entrepreneurship education can equip young people with competencies needed to establish and manage businesses, contributing to:

• economic growth;
• job creation;
• innovation;
• poverty reduction;
• youth empowerment; and
• sustainable development.

Introduction

The authors view youths as an important resource for national development.

They argue that societies that want sustainable development must invest in their young people and equip them with appropriate educational, economic and entrepreneurial skills.

The paper particularly emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship in an environment characterized by unemployment and poverty.

Importance of entrepreneurship education

According to the paper, entrepreneurship education can help young people:

• identify business opportunities;
• develop business skills;
• create employment for themselves;
• create employment for others;
• develop innovative solutions;
• generate wealth;
• become economically independent; and
• contribute to national development.

Youth unemployment

The article presents entrepreneurship as one potential response to youth unemployment.

Rather than preparing young people exclusively for conventional employment, education can also prepare them to create economic opportunities themselves.

Education and skills acquisition

The authors argue that entrepreneurship knowledge should be introduced throughout the educational system, from earlier education through tertiary institutions.

The emphasis is not simply on theoretical knowledge but on acquiring practical entrepreneurial competencies.

Conclusion

The article concludes that entrepreneurship education should be incorporated more strongly into educational curricula and that Nigeria needs to foster a culture that encourages young people to pursue entrepreneurship.

The authors ultimately position entrepreneurship education as a tool for youth empowerment, job creation, innovation and broader societal development.