Transforming Students into Entrepreneurs: The Role of Entrepreneurship Education in Shaping Entrepreneurial Mindset of Students in Nigerian Universities

Youth unemployment in Nigeria remains a critical socio-economic challenge, underscoring the
need for higher education to produce graduates capable of creating employment. Entrepreneurship
education (EE) has emerged as a strategic tool for fostering self-reliance and cultivating the
knowledge, skills, and mindset required for venture creation. This study examined the role of EE
in shaping the entrepreneurial mindset of university students, focusing on cognitive, affective, and
behavioral dimensions. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 250 final-year
students from four Nigerian universities offering compulsory entrepreneurship courses. Data were
collected using the Entrepreneurship Mindset and Education Assessment Questionnaire (EMEAQ)
and analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Results
revealed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) between EE exposure and
entrepreneurial mindset, with regression analysis showing EE as a significant predictor (β = 0.61,
p < 0.001). Experiential learning, institutional support, and ecosystem linkages were identified as
key factors facilitating transformation. The study concludes that EE can effectively shift students
from job seekers to job creators and recommends enhancing experiential programs, mentorship,
and incubation initiatives.

Funding: This is self-funded research.

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Ethics Approval: Not_applicable

Data Availability: Data will be made available upon reasonable request.

AI-Assisted Writing: No AI tools were used in the preparation of this manuscript.