EFFECTS OF SELF-EFFICACY ON SELF- EMPLOYMENT INTENTION OF RECENT GRADUATES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of self-efficacy on self-employment intentions of recent graduates. Using the descriptive survey research design, the study population includes National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members of Ojo Local Government area of Lagos state. A sample of 130 was selected using the purposive sampling technique. The formulated hypotheses were tested using the simple linear regression and the independent sample t-test. The results showed that there was a statistically significant influence of self-efficacy on self-employment intention of Corps members of Ojo local government, Lagos state. A significant regression coefficient was found F (1.128)=29.72, p<.05), with R2 of .19. This presupposes that19.0% of the variance in self-employment intentions is as a result of the self-efficacy of recent graduates. Also, a statistically significant difference in the self-employment intentions were found between male and female corps members (tcal(128) = 2.11 is greater than ttab=1.98, p < .05). The study therefore recommended, amongst others, that institutions and the government should educate and devise a means by which they can increase the level of graduates and students’ self-efficacy which in turn will help shape their intention towards shaping career options after graduation. Similarly, effective entrepreneurship education and training for students and graduates to enhance their efficacy in performing specific tasks and roles of an entrepreneur will go a long way in boosting their self-employment intention and also aids them towards post graduate job creation ability rather than job seekers