Entrepreneurial Human Capital Development and Economic Future of Nigerian Graduates

Abstract

The increasing influence of globalization and emergence of knowledge economy with resulting paradigm shift in Nigerian universities traditional pedagogical role have led to the adoption of entrepreneurship education in the curriculum of universities for developing critical human capital and as well as mitigate the social consequences of graduate unemployment on the citizenry and the society at large. This study however attempted to examine the adoption of entrepreneurship education as a multi-disciplinary approach in all Nigerian universities curriculum for developing the needed entrepreneurial human capital. A sample of 300 graduates currently undergoing their mandatory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in Portharcourt, Rivers State having entrepreneurship education background prior to graduation in their various universities and entrepreneurship training programme during orientation camp was selected.  The instrument titled ‘’ Entrepreneurial Human Capital and Graduate Economic Future Questionnaire’’ (EHCGREFQ) was analyzed with descriptive statistics and the findings however revealed use of mentoring and coaching, developing business plan and feasibility, case study as some pedagogical approaches  that can be adopted in Nigerian universities. Again the teaching of entrepreneurship in Nigerian universities equips would-be graduates with generic employable skills vital for developing ownership mentality/new orientation, innovation, urge for autonomy and independence responsible for the development of small and medium scale industries and technological growth. The study further revealed some socio-economic implications of entrepreneurial human capital development as wealth creation, employment generation, increasing life expectancy and living standard, poverty and crime reduction which have direct impact on the national economy. It is however recommended that entrepreneurial educators should use teaching methodologies that will specifically enable future graduates acquire essential employable skills and develop strong entrepreneurial character of ownership mentality, autonomy and independence which favour small and medium enterprises.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial, Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Education