Skills Acquisition Strategies and the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (smes) in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The study examined the relationship between skills acquisition and small and medium enterprises performance in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.Empirical, conceptual and theoretical literatures were carried out in line with the sub variables of the study, three research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study comprises 762 registered small scale business in Calabar South Local Government of Cross River State. A total of 138 questionnaire was administered to small scale business in the area, and all were returned and found suitable for analysis. An accidental judgmental sampling technique was used for the study. The instruments for data collection was a modified four-point likert scale of questionnaires of 20 items. Data collected were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Statistical tool. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between computer training, fast food business training, peasant farming business training and small and medium enterprises performance in Calabar South Local Government of Cross River State. The study recommends among others that there is a need to developed empowerment for youth by training them on business for generation of employments opportunity in Cross River State ,and small scale business trainings by qualified and experienced consultants should be encouraged towards job creation in small industry, Government should provide credit facilities at affordable interest rates so as to encourage the youth in the area.