Entrepreneurship Education and Economic Emancipation of Youths in Oyo State, Nigeria, West Africa

Abstract

The primary aim of every citizen in any nation of the world is to be economically emancipated, as it enables one to be self-reliant rather than depending on parents, guardians or government for survival. However, the majority of Nigerian youths are living in abject poverty compared to their counterparts in developed countries. In an attempt to find a solution to the problem of acute poverty, this study investigated the relationship between entrepreneurship, education and the economic emancipation of youths in the Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. A sample of 350 respondents was selected through the purposive sampling technique. Three hypotheses were tested. A self-designed online survey questionnaire titled “Entrepreneurship Education and Economic Emancipation Questionnaire (EEEEQ)” was administered and used for data collection. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and multiple regression analysis were the statistical tools employed for data analysis. The findings revealed a significant relationship between entrepreneurship knowledge and economic emancipation among youths in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria (r=0.78, p<0.05). It was also shown that entrepreneurial skills and economic emancipation among youths in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria were significantly related (r=0.63, p<0.05). Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that more emphasis should be given to entrepreneurial skill acquisition and to the adequate provision of learning tools and materials. Government should also make available grants for youth with potential to demonstrate and maximize their acquired entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.