Author(s): Jeremiah Peter Iweh, Vimolwan Yukongdi, Ram C. Bhujel
This paper assesses the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education program (EEP) in Nigerian public universities and evaluates the quality of EEP design, implementation, skills acquired and performance levels of recipients. This study is based on a sample of 705 respondents comprising 430 students, 130 graduates and 64 instructors of Nigerian public universities, 66 entrepreneurs and 15 policy makers through a mixed approach to assess the design, curriculum content, implementation and impact of EEP. Data were gathered through surveys and interviews and were analysed using weighted average index and regression analysis. The findings show that more than 75% of the respondents attested EEP curricula are moderately designed, instructors possess in- depth knowledge and accumulated experience to facilitate acquisition of entrepreneurial skills and attitudes. Over 90% of student recipients acknowledged EEP increased their entrepreneurial competencies and triggers intention for entrepreneurial career. The program promotes necessity entrepreneurship, 5% of the students operate micro-businesses and 42% of graduates had established businesses. More could be achieved if a supportive ecosystem to nurture entrepreneurial intention, review current curriculum content and other external factors that influence entrepreneurship are addressed. This paper has practical implications for policy makers and educationalist and provides insights into the design of an effective EEP in the context of emerging economies. This study makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of the factors contributing to effectiveness of EEP in an emerging economy.