ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AND GRADUATES SELF-EMPLOYMENT GENERATION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper analysed the relevant of entrepreneurship education to promote economic development in Nigeria in relation to employment generation, poverty alleviation and raising standard of living. Entrepreneurship is the source of innovation that drives economic growth, an important factor in social economic development. The development of critical thinking skills, idea creation abilities, and a dedication to achieving entrepreneurial goals once graduation are all considered components of university students' entrepreneurial development. It looked at the attitudes and skills of Entrepreneur which includes: high aptitude for rational critical thinking and timely decision making, clear vision, generation of progressive ideals, drive and passion for success, ability to convert vision in concrete reality, inventiveness, bravery, self-assurance, and the capacity to take calculated risks. It also look at the challenges facing entrepreneurship education in Nigerian Universities finance and funding, unfriendly business environment, political and social instability, weak Entrepreneurship Education, lack of Enterprise Spirit among Youths, technical Proficiency etc. it also highlighted the strategies that could be adopted to enhance entrepreneurship education which includes Adopting effective teaching methods, instituting Entrepreneurship Trust Fund, annual lecture and exhibition of entrepreneurial products, instituting entrepreneurship agencies, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurial activities to thrive, providing adequate market for entrepreneurial products etc.