HARNESSING FULL EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY FOR NIGERIA. ENTREPRENEURSHIP IMPERATIVES, PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

S.O. Onimole & S.A.  Olaiya

Department of Entrepreneurship

Department of Economics

Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji–Arakeji, Osun State

ABSTRACT

In this study, entrepreneurship education is considered as the vehicle required for exploiting the talents, skills, creativity and competencies of the populace towards creating productive employment to generate full employment. This study examines the strategies, challenges and prospects in harnessing full employment for Nigeria through entrepreneurship education and development.  The research method adopted for the study was survey and documentary analysis. The survey research involved the collection of data from existing records and findings of opinion on the subject matter through the use of structured questionnaire. Stratified sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study.  The instrument was validated and pilot-tested to ascertain the internal consistency. The population for the study comprised employers of labour, unemployed graduates and government officials in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states of Nigeria. Stratified proportional random sampling technique was used to select a total of 426 individuals for this study. Out of this number 380 responded to the questionnaire for the study.  The internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.71. Data obtained were analyzed using mean, frequency count, percentages and one-way analysis of variance. A large proportion of the respondent indicate that the challenges to full employment are many including, unclear monetary and focal policies  insufficient economic capabilities, lack of access to the control of productive resources, unreliable official statistics, absence of technology,  etc. as part of major challenges  for full employment  in Nigeria. The study is of the view that planned development strategies and activities to effect the necessary change for creating new enterprises and entrepreneurial education must be undertaken. Employment promotion strategies must become an integral part of the development process.