Students’ Entrepreneurial Training and the Desire for Business Creation

ABSTRACT The study investigated the relationship between various factors related to entrepreneurial training and students' acquisition of entrepreneurial skills at the Entrepreneurship Training Center at the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State. Four research hypotheses regarding the perceived effectiveness of training programmes, participation in entrepreneurial activities, access to entrepreneurial resources, and participation in entrepreneurial practical activities were tested. In this study, survey research design was employed to investigate the relationship between students' entrepreneurial training and their desire for business creation, focusing specifically on the Entrepreneurial Training Centers within the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State. The target population consisted of final year students in school of vocational and technical education pursuing degree programme in College of Education Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State. Specific sample size of 80 final year students was selected using a stratified sampling technique. Quantitative data was collected through a structured survey questionnaire, and analysis involved measures such as mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) to ascertain the relationship between the variables. The findings provide insights into the effectiveness of entrepreneurial training programs in influencing students' aspirations for entrepreneurship within the context of College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State. The findings revealed significant relationships between students' participation in entrepreneurial training programs and their desire for business creation. Specifically, the perceived effectiveness of training programs, participation in entrepreneurial activities, access to entrepreneurial resources, and engagement in practical activities were found to positively correlate with students' entrepreneurial intentions. Based on the findings, several recommendations were made among others: Enhance the quality and effectiveness of entrepreneurial training programs offered at the Entrepreneurial Training Centers within the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Akwa Ibom State by incorporating practical exercises and real-world experiences. Improve access to entrepreneurial resources such as mentorship, funding opportunities, and networking platforms to support students' entrepreneurial aspirations.