Acquisition of Innovative and Entrepreneurial Skills in Basic Science Education for Job Creation in Nigeria

Abstract

Innovative and Entrepreneurial skill acquisition in Nigeria entails focusing on what should be done to bridge the gap between the school and labour market, where the learner will work after graduation, so as to be self-reliant in the society. Specifically, the study determined: the innovative and entrepreneurial skills needed in Basic Science Education for job creation; and, the teaching strategies required. The study was carried out in Nigeria and was guided by three research questions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study was made up of 441 principals and 4340 Basic Science teachers. The instrument used for data collection was a 22-item questionnaire. Mean and standard deviation statistics were used to address the three research questions. The findings revealed that a lot of skills were needed in science education for job creation, the teachers were required to use practically oriented methods in teaching the students and a lot of factors posed challenges to the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills in Basic Science Education. Consequently, the study made recommendations.