Development of entrepreneurial potential among undergraduates of a private university in Nigeria

Abstract

Based on the theory of planned behaviour, the present article examines the development of entrepreneurial potential among the undergraduates of a private university in north-central Nigeria. A total of 250 randomly selected undergraduates from various departments participated in a survey at the university. The findings revealed that the overwhelming proportions of the respondents expressed their talents with an interest in entrepreneurship. Self-employment in the informal economy was the next plan of more than half of the respondents. Several factors such as ethnicity, level of education, self-expression, and interest in entrepreneurship influenced the expression of talents and desire for entrepreneurship. It is concluded that investment in higher education with interest in entrepreneurship will enhance the development of entrepreneurial potential among graduates in Nigeria. This suggests the need for relevant strategies including self-help, innovative behavior, and government-university-industry interaction for the development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.