Role of the State in Managing Entrepreneurial Tertiary Education in Nigeria

Abstract

The role of the state in managing entrepreneurial tertiary education in Nigeria was discussed in recognition of the national mandate to the state (government) to participate prominently in managing educational programmes at tertiary education in the country for manpower generation and economic development. It is here argued that if the state has such an indispensable mandate, it must participate actively in addressing the current issue of entrepreneurial education that has become the public expectation on tertiary education for every of her under-graduate and graduates. Documentary evidences revealed some specific areas of state actions and its inhibitions. Hence, curriculum redesigning, creation of enabling environment, effective management, enlightenment programmes, opportunities for credit facilities, adequate funding, purposeful government action and a holistic approach to entrepreneurial issues as soon as they arise, and cooperation with stakeholders, were recommended as specific roles of the government to ensure that graduates of tertiary education in this era of pervading unemployment acquire skills for self-employment and self-reliance.

Key words: role, state, managing, entrepreneurial, tertiary education.