Entrepreneurial Mindset and Innovation Capacity among Students of Federal College of Education Ididep, Ibiono, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study investigates the relationship between entrepreneurial mindset—comprising creativity, proactiveness, risk tolerance, and opportunity recognition—and innovation capacity—encompassing idea generation, problem-solving skills, product/service innovation readiness, and overall innovation capability—among students at the Federal College of Education, Ididep, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A correlational survey research design was adopted, employing a census sampling technique to include all 89 students from the School of Vocational and Technical Education (Business Education and Agricultural Education departments). Data were collected using a structured Entrepreneurial Mindset and Innovation Capacity Questionnaire (EMICQ) and analyzed using simple percentages and simple regression via SPSS. The findings establish a significant, positive correlation between entrepreneurial mindset and innovation capacity, confirming that students with strong entrepreneurial traits are inherently more innovative. This validates the strategy of producing "edupreneurs"—future educators capable of transforming pedagogy, creating economic opportunities, and driving grassroots development. However, persistent systemic gaps in industry collaboration, finance, and mentorship were identified. The study recommends that the NCCE mandate compulsory entrepreneurship modules across all disciplines and shift to competency-based assessments; FCE Ididep establish an EdTech Innovation Hub, train lecturers, and forge industry partnerships; government create a dedicated Education-Enterprise Fund and innovation awards; and students proactively pursue lifelong learning and interdisciplinary collaboration to fully realize their innovative potential. This research provides empirical evidence from a Nigerian teacher-education context linking entrepreneurial mindset to innovation capacity, specifically among vocational and technical education students. It advances the "edupreneur" concept as a practical strategy for transforming pedagogy, fostering economic opportunity, and driving grassroots development within the broader TVET and higher education landscape in Nigeria.