ECONOMICS EDUCATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A PANACEA TO POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA

This study investigates the role of Economics education and entrepreneurship development programme in Nigerian universities as a potential solution to poverty and unemployment challenges among graduates. Utilizing a survey research design, population, sample and sampling techniques data was collected through a self-developed questionnaire distributed to 150 students from the Economics Department across 100 Level to 400 Level, representing both genders. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of current economics and entrepreneurship curricula in equipping students with the practical skills needed for self-employment and job creation, and to examine the relationship between economics education, entrepreneurship skills, and students' ability to identify and exploit business opportunities. It also seeks to identify gaps in the curriculum that may hinder students' preparedness for entrepreneurial ventures and economic challenges. The findings suggest that while Nigerian university programs provide foundational skills in areas such as financial management and business startup knowledge, they fall short in developing critical entrepreneurial competencies. Specifically, students were found to lack practical skills in identifying and pursuing viable business opportunities, and the integration of hands-on experiences such as internships and problem-solving projects was limited. The study highlights the need for curriculum reform to include more experiential learning, market analysis, and content tailored to the dynamic Nigerian business environment. These findings align with existing research emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. To enhance entrepreneurship education in Nigerian universities, curricula should integrate practical experiences, opportunity identification, and market assessment skills. Course content should address Nigeria's unique economic challenges, emphasizing self-employment strategies and essential soft skills. Strong industry partnerships will provide students with valuable insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities.