The Reality of Entrepreneurship Education in Nigeria

The reality of entrepreneurship education in Nigeria is far from the required standard. The system needs a total overhaul.

I remember a few years ago at the University. My roommate and his colleague ran helter-skelter during the exam period. Their panic was because of a course on entrepreneurship development (CED 301).

The University Centre for Entrepreneurship Development is in charge of the course. Their goal is to train students on the basics of entrepreneurship etc.

“What’s the problem?” I asked my roommate,

“Guy you will not understand. We have a CED tomorrow. I have not bought the manual” my roommate replied.

The Reality of Entrepreneurship Development in Nigerian Universities and Polytechnics

Most Nigerian students never attend lectures on CED courses. They never fail to append their names on the attendance register.

Some students only see the CED course on the day before the exam. You see students running from pillar to post to find a way to get quick tips on how to pass the exam. It makes the entrepreneurship course in Nigerian universities to be a scam.

It usually works out for most Nigerian students. The exam questions are like the previous years. All you have to do to pass is to get past exam questions, memorize the answers and pour it out during the exam.

One will begin to wonder, what’s the whole essence of the course? To help Nigerian students become young African entrepreneurs? Why neglect by students?

Who is an entrepreneur?

An entrepreneur is a person who sets up a business, grows the venture with the hope of making money.

Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria Universities

The National University Commission (NUC) regulates the program. The aim is to equip Nigerian University students in their third year to get practical skills. Business management, business planning, marketing, etc. are part of the courses. The course is usually a one-unit course offered for two semesters.

Challenges of entrepreneurship education in Nigeria

  1. The negative attitude of students
  2. Lack of facilities & Poor funding
  3. Lack of qualified lecturers
  4. Inappropriate curriculum
  5. Lecture Clash

The negative attitude of students

Nigerian students in the tertiary institutions have a negative attitude towards entrepreneurship development. It makes the course to seem insignificant. This apathy is because the subject is a single unit which most students do not see the relevance on their GCPA. Every student wants to focus more on their core courses and not some CED whatever.

Students have given no priority to entrepreneurship courses. It has made entrepreneurship development lose its value. Students need to be aware that such skills are useful. Even as students or future entrepreneurs.

Poor Facilities

There are substandard facilities available to train students in entrepreneurship education. The government must pool resources to provide a conducive learning environment. This way, students will develop an enthusiasm for CED.

Lack of qualified lecturers

Only a few qualified lecturers are available to train students in entrepreneurship education. There is a need to recruit and train lecturers for the program. Teachers must master the skill to engage students.

Inappropriate Curriculum

CED curriculum in most tertiary institutions is more theory than practical. Administrators of CED must develop a more engaging curriculum. It will enhance students participation.

Lecture clash

The clash between regular courses and CED is common in tertiary institutions. Students would prefer to attend lectures on their core courses. Academic administrators need to draft a harmonize lecture timetable. This way, students would make proper plans to attend CED lectures.

Entrepreneurship Education Scam?

Entrepreneurship education is not a scam. It is a compulsory program for students. It helps young graduates to face the reality of the 21st-century economy.

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