Investigating the level of entrepreneurial orientation and desire for self-employment of students in selected tertiary institutions, North-East Nigeria

Abstract

Entrepreneurial orientation resulting from entrepreneurship education in tertiary institutions has produced mixed findings in the developed context, especially in Northeast Nigeria, where the insurgency has been disrupting education over the years. This study investigated the level of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of students in Yola, a region in Northeast Nigeria grappling with the onslaughts of the Boko Haram insurgency. This quantitative study examined the difference between the level of Entrepreneurial Orientations of Students before (BEO) and after taking entrepreneurship modules (AEO) while relying on primary data collected from three different categories of tertiary institutions in Nigeria (a polytechnic, a college, and a university) through a structured questionnaire. Relevant literature was reviewed to enrich the understanding of the researcher on different extents of the study. In the absence of a sample frame in the target population, a sample size of 270 students was selected based on the research eligibility criteria. Out of this sample, 191 respondents filled and returned the questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used to analyze the data collected. The level of Entrepreneurial Orientation among students was measured to determine how students were innovative, proactive, risk-taking, and competitive aggressive before and after taking entrepreneurship modules. A significant difference between the level of EO before and after taking entrepreneurship modules, a meaningful relationship between the entrepreneurial orientation of students, and desire for self-employment after graduation was indicated. SEM results showed a significant positive impact of entrepreneurial orientation on students' willingness to self-employment after graduation. This research enriched the literature with a new understanding of entrepreneurial orientation. It provided modest empirical findings pertinent to policymakers interested in advancing Entrepreneurship Education (EE) in tertiary institutions. Based on the findings regarding factors affecting the entrepreneurial orientation of students, the study recommends solutions for improving and developing an effective entrepreneurial orientation strategy in tertiary institutions.