Assessment of Communication Skills Among Business Education Graduates in the Labour Market in Delta State

This study assessed the communication skills of Business Education graduates entering the labour market in Delta State, South South Nigeria. Communication proficiency, encompassing written, oral, and interpersonal skills, is among the most valued competencies sought by employers in the Nigerian labour market. For Business Education graduates, who are groomed for roles in administration, teaching, and commerce, communication skills development should be central to their training. However, employer feedback in Delta State suggests a growing skills gap in this area. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population comprised 180 Business Education graduates employed in organizations in Warri, Asaba, and Sapele who had graduated within the last three years. A sample of 90 graduates was selected through purposive sampling. Employer assessment forms and a validated communication skills self-evaluation questionnaire were used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Findings indicate that graduates demonstrate acceptable written communication skills but score below expectations in oral presentation, active listening, and business report writing. Employers in the financial and oil services sectors reported the widest gaps. The study recommends that Business Education departments in Delta State tertiary institutions should integrate formal communication skills training, including public speaking laboratories and business writing workshops, as compulsory components of their undergraduate curriculum. Keywords: communication skills, business education graduates, labour market, Delta State, employability