CHALLENGES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS: TOWARDS REPOSITIONING FOR BETTER IMPACT

Abstract

Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial education in Nigeria are laced with a number of challenges that are peculiar, and dissimilar in some respect to experiences in other parts of the globe. This paper conducts a qualitative review of some of these challenges using a theoretical framework and the framework for entrepreneurship education developed by the National University Commission (NUC). The review x-rayed some of the challenges and conclude that entrepreneurship education in Nigeria should extend beyond classroom teaching as currently practiced in most tertiary institutions in Nigeria. In view of the changing nature of Nigeria’s labor market, there is a need for a paradigm shift in entrepreneurship education from the traditional white-collar job-seekers with no specialized skills or professional talents orientation to one that foster, energize and engage in experimental and experiential learning, as well as exploit business opportunities and accomplish a profitable investment. Appropriate policy and practical recommendations are suggested.