ABSTRACT

Abstract

The study investigated perception of stakeholders on graduates’ entrepreneurial skill acquisition in reducing unemployment in Bauchi State. Specifically, the study examined the differences in stakeholders’ perception on various entrepreneurial skills which could be acquired to reduce unemployment based on gender and educational qualification. Descriptive survey research was adopted and a total of 200 respondents were employed for the study. A validated questionnaire was used for the study with a reliability coefficient of 0.83. Descriptive and inferential statistics of mean rating, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA were used for the analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the stakeholders were positively disposed to the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills in reducing unemployment rate among graduates. Educational status of the stakeholders was found to influence their perceptions about entrepreneurial skill acquisition in reducing unemployment among graduates. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that practical aspects of the entrepreneurial skills should be taught in schools in order to reduce unemployment among graduates. Also, the various stakeholders in education should render all necessary support to equip and furnish schools with equipment for efficient acquisition of entrepreneurial skills by the students.

Keywords: entrepreneurial skills acquisition, graduates, stakeholders, unemployment.