Impact of Entrepreneurship Education on Self-Employment Readiness among Students of Federal College of Education Ididep Ibiono, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study examines the impact of entrepreneurship education on self-employment readiness among students of the Federal College of Education, Ididep, Ibiono, in response to the persistent challenge of youth unemployment in Nigeria. Adopting a survey research design, the study collected primary data through a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of students to assess their perceptions of entrepreneurship training and their preparedness for self-employment upon graduation. The findings establish a significant positive relationship between entrepreneurship education and self-employment readiness, demonstrating that students exposed to comprehensive entrepreneurial training developed a stronger internal locus of control, enhanced entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and a greater propensity for generating business ideas and engaging in venture creation. The study further validates the critical role of vocational training and curriculum development in equipping graduates with the competencies required for business incubation and sustainable livelihoods. These findings underscore the transformative potential of entrepreneurship education in promoting graduate employability by shifting students from a job-seeking mindset to one of job creation, thereby contributing to individual empowerment and broader community economic development. The study recommends continuous improvement of entrepreneurship curricula through the integration of theoretical frameworks with practical business planning, mentoring initiatives, stronger collaboration with financial institutions to improve access to start-up capital, and the promotion of an institutional culture that supports innovation and enterprise. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on entrepreneurship education in Nigerian tertiary institutions and provides practical insights for educators, policymakers, and institutional administrators seeking to address unemployment through demand-driven educational reforms.