Home Economics Entrepreneurship Education and Self-Employment Readiness Among Graduates in Edo State

This study examines the influence of entrepreneurship education within the Home Economics curriculum on the self-employment readiness of graduates in Edo State, South South Nigeria. High graduate unemployment in Nigeria has intensified calls for vocational and entrepreneurship education to be embedded across all disciplines, including Home Economics. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, targeting recent graduates of Home Economics programmes in Ambrose Alli University and College of Education Ekiadolor. Data were collected from 240 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Objectives include assessing the entrepreneurship content embedded in the Home Economics curriculum experienced by respondents, evaluating their self-employment readiness in areas such as business planning and resource management, and determining the relationship between entrepreneurship education and readiness. Recent literature identifies significant deficits in practical entrepreneurship training within Nigerian Home Economics programmes, resulting in graduates who are theoretically knowledgeable but practically unprepared for self-employment. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation and regression analysis. The Entrepreneurial Intention Model provides the theoretical anchor, linking education inputs to entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intentions. Findings are anticipated to demonstrate a positive but moderate relationship between curriculum-based entrepreneurship training and self-employment readiness. Recommendations address Edo State polytechnics, universities, and the National University Commission regarding the integration of practical enterprise modules into Home Economics programmes. Keywords: entrepreneurship education, self-employment, Home Economics graduates, vocational readiness, Edo State.