Determination of Skills Acquisition and Professional Knowledge Acquired by Nigerian Graduates through the Current University Curriculum

Abstract

The need for entrepreneurship education started towards the end of 19th century and gained increased recognition in the closing decades of the 20th century among economists as a significant driver of improvement in societal welfare. The study was intended to assist the Universities and the authority concerned in the development, drafting, and implementing innovative models for new curriculum for historically underserved Nigerian University undergraduates. The work provides extensive data using NYSC corps members as respondents, covering seven states NYSC secretariats. The data for the work was generated, employing the instruments of questionnaire (field survey) method and was able to determine the standard and quality of the current University curriculum, also its capability and limitations in the area of entrepreneurship programme. Analysis was made based on primary data collected from all seven states that were represented by the coverage areas. The results of the research as analysed was presented and the significance of the results tested according to the objectives of the research. The paper looks at the course specialization, and level of education and disciplines attained by the corps members in order to be able to see why it is difficult for graduates to secure jobs. The work was carried out to highlight the gap between the theory and the skills with technical and professional training that is missing in our university curriculum. Conclusion was drawn based on the research findings and recommendation that were appropriate being put forward to the authority concerned.