Entrepreneurship Education as a Catalyst for Skills Competitiveness in Technical Colleges in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the way entrepreneurship education enhances students' competitiveness in skills within technical colleges in Lagos State, Nigeria, in terms of employability and economic contribution. The study examines the impact of Training Needs Assessment, Mode of Delivery, and Training Content on entrepreneurial capabilities like innovation, problem-solving, and confidence. Based on the Knowledge-Based View theory, where knowledge is highlighted as a source of competitive advantage, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. A census sampling technique was used, selecting 150 final year students from five technical colleges of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board and from which 142 valid responses were received through a standardized questionnaire. Regression analysis revealed that Training Content had the greatest contribution to skills competitiveness (β = 0.378, p < .001), followed by Training Needs Assessment (β = 0.193, p = 0.001), while Mode of Delivery had the lowest contribution (β = 0.129, p = 0.010). These findings highlight the power of an effective curriculum in equipping young Nigerians to succeed in competitive labour markets and Lagos's entrepreneurial economy. Periodic skills gap analysis, different pedagogies including apprenticeship, and improved curricula infused with cutting-edge skills like digital entrepreneurship are recommended in the research. Through the giving of knowledge on knowledge-based education practices, the research highlights the prophetic role of entrepreneurship education in building a powerful, resilient workforce, encouraging sustainable development in Nigeria's economic hub.