Influence of Home Economics Practical Skills on Entrepreneurial Intentions of Graduates in Kaduna State

This study examines the influence of Home Economics practical skills on the entrepreneurial intentions of senior secondary school graduates in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. With rising youth unemployment, researchers and policymakers have emphasised the importance of skills-based education in fostering self-reliance. The study adopts a descriptive survey approach, with a target population comprising recent graduates of public secondary schools in Kaduna North and Kaduna South local government areas. A structured questionnaire was administered to 250 respondents. Objectives include assessing graduates' acquisition of food production, garment making, and home management skills, and determining the extent to which these skills predict entrepreneurial intentions. The Theory of Planned Behaviour serves as the theoretical framework, explaining how perceived behavioural control and subjective norms shape entrepreneurial intentions. Recent studies confirm that skills-oriented curricula significantly boost self-employment aspirations among Nigerian youths. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression. Findings are anticipated to demonstrate a positive and significant relationship between practical Home Economics skills and entrepreneurial intentions. The study recommends that state education authorities incorporate entrepreneurship modules into the Home Economics curriculum at the senior secondary level. Findings will be relevant to vocational guidance counsellors, curriculum planners, and non-governmental organisations supporting youth enterprise in northern Nigeria. Keywords: Home Economics skills, entrepreneurial intentions, secondary school graduates, Kaduna State, youth unemployment.