Entrepreneurial Competencies of Home Economics Graduates and Business Sustainability in South West Nigeria

This study analyses the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies of Home Economics graduates and the sustainability of their micro and small enterprises in South West Nigeria, covering Oyo, Lagos, and Ogun states. Enterprise sustainability among Nigerian small business owners is persistently challenged by skill gaps in financial management, marketing, and strategic planning, all of which are addressable through improved Home Economics entrepreneurship education. Using a cross-sectional analytical design, the study targets 300 Home Economics graduate entrepreneurs identified through alumni associations and business registries. Data were collected using a validated entrepreneurial competency assessment scale and a business sustainability index questionnaire. Objectives include profiling graduates' entrepreneurial competencies, measuring enterprise sustainability scores, and determining the predictive power of specific competencies on sustainability outcomes. Analytical methods include stepwise multiple regression, factor analysis, and Pearson correlation. The Entrepreneurial Competency Model provides the theoretical anchor. Recent literature from South West Nigeria identifies financial literacy, customer management, and innovation orientation as the most significant competency predictors of small business longevity. Findings are expected to reveal that Home Economics-specific competencies in food production and textile design significantly moderate general entrepreneurial performance. Recommendations address universities, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, and the National Youth Enterprise Programme regarding curriculum and post-graduation enterprise support. Keywords: entrepreneurial competencies, Home Economics graduates, business sustainability, South West Nigeria, micro-enterprises.