The Role of Vocational and Technical Education in Promoting Small Business Startups in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Why do many small business startups fail despite entrepreneurs having technical skills? This study examined the role of vocational and technical education (VTE) in promoting small business startups in Akwa Ibom State. Specifically, it assessed the relationship between (1) outdated/misaligned curriculum and startups, (2) limited access to finance and startups, and (3) poor infrastructural support and startups. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. The population comprised 11,990 small business startups, from which a sample of 387 was drawn using Taro Yamane’s formula and purposive sampling. Three hypotheses were tested. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using simple percentages and regression models. The results revealed that all three factors—outdated curriculum, limited financing, and poor infrastructure—have a significant negative impact on the performance, establishment, growth, development, and sustainability of small business startups in Akwa Ibom State. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions across education, finance, and infrastructure to foster entrepreneurial success. Based on these findings, the study recommends the following: first, educational institutions and policymakers should update and align VTE curricula with current startup needs to equip entrepreneurs with relevant skills. Second, financial institutions and government agencies should design accessible, flexible financing options, including collateral-free loans or credit guarantees, to support startup growth. Third, government and private stakeholders must prioritize improving infrastructural facilities—transportation, power supply, and communication networks—to create a favorable environment for small business development and sustainability. Without these integrated reforms, even the most skilled entrepreneur cannot thrive. This study provides a clear roadmap for unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of vocational education in Akwa Ibom State.