THE EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS ON OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT GRADUATE (A CASE STUDY OF ABDU GUSAU POLYTECHNIC TALATA MAFARA)

ABSTRACT This study examines the effect of entrepreneurship skills on Office Technology and Management (OTM) graduates, using Abdu Gusau Polytechnic Talata Mafara as a case study. The research investigates how entrepreneurship knowledge, practical business exposure, innovation capacity, and problem-solving skills acquired during training influence the employability, career advancement, and self-reliance of OTM graduates. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to OTM graduates, lecturers, and industry supervisors. The findings reveal that entrepreneurship skills significantly enhance graduates’ ability to create and manage small businesses, improve workplace productivity, adapt to technological changes, and compete favorably in the labor market. The study further shows that entrepreneurship education fosters creativity and confidence, enabling graduates to pursue independent business ventures rather than depending solely on white-collar jobs. Based on these findings, the study recommends that Abdu Gusau Polytechnic strengthen its entrepreneurship curriculum, integrate more practical training, and collaborate with industry partners to improve students’ real-world business exposure. Enhancing these skills will better prepare OTM graduates for sustainable career opportunities and economic self-reliance.