Stakeholders' Assessment of Edupreneurship as Catalyst for Employment Generation among Prospective Teachers in University of Ilorin

Abstract

Concerns about unemployment in Nigeria extend to the teaching profession, where an emphasis on entrepreneurship skills often overshadows the need for comprehensive educational training. There is a pressing need to cultivate self-employed teachers who can generate jobs within the educational sector and promote teaching and learning. This study evaluates stakeholder perceptions regarding edupreneurship's role in creating job opportunities for prospective teachers at a Nigerian university. Utilizing a descriptive survey design, the research sampled 399 stakeholders, including students and lecturers, using a validated questionnaire consisting of 20 items. Findings indicate that edupreneurship initiatives improve educational quality, enhance employability, and foster innovation among prospective teachers. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of university support, gender disparities, and cultural norms hinder progress. The study also highlights that edupreneurship education can effectively address the shortage of qualified teachers while helping prospective educators develop essential entrepreneurial skills beyond traditional teaching methods. Significant differences in perceptions among prospective teachers were observed based on status and gender. Conclusively, edupreneurship education holds significant promise for enhancing education at the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin. Stakeholders are urged to prioritize edupreneurship initiatives to tackle the challenges faced by prospective teachers in today’s labor market. By doing so, they can contribute to a more robust educational framework that benefits both educators and students alike.