Building a Skilled Society through Experiential Learning in Entrepreneurial Education in Rivers State-Owned Universities.

Abstract

This study examined the building of a skilled society through experiential learning in entrepreneurial education in Rivers State-owned universities. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of 53 business educators in Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. The entire population was studied as census and constituted the sample due to the small and manageable size. A questionnaire tagged Building a Skilled Society through Experiential Learning in Entrepreneurial Education was used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated and its reliability index established at 0.87 using Cronbach Alpha. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions while z-test was used in testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study found among others that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of RSU and IAUE business educators on the extent to which the building of a skilled society can be enhanced through venture creation learning experience and social constructivist learning experience in entrepreneurial education in Rivers State-owned universities. The study concluded that through venture creation learning and social constructivist learning in entrepreneurial education, the building of a skilled society can be enhanced to a high extent. It was recommended among others that policymakers and curriculum developers should ensure that the Nigerian university curriculum provides students with courses that teach skills acquisition for the building of a skilled society.