Acquisition of Entrepreneurial Skills by Polytechnic Students in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper assesses acquisition of entrepreneurial skills by polytechnic students in Osun State, Nigeria. It identifies courses through which entrepreneurial skills could be acquired; examines availability of training facilities; determines whether or not polytechnic students do the mandatory industrial training or students' industrial work experience scheme, and find out attitudes of students to entrepreneurial skills acquisition. Survey research design was used. The population comprised all the polytechnic students in Higher National Diploma (HND). The sample comprised 300 participants from purposefully selected three government-owned polytechnics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data gathered through structured questionnaire. The results showed that there were over 50 entrepreneurship-based courses offered in polytechnics in the State. Availability of relevant skills training facilities was lacking. Both the industrial training and students' industrial work experience scheme positively contributed to acquisition of skills. Students' attitudes towards entrepreneurial skills acquisition were poor. Relevant workable recommendations were suggested.