STUDENTS’ GENDER AS PREDICTOR TO THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS IN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE IN SOUTH EAST TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined students’ gender as predictor to their entrepreneurial skills in business enterprise in south east tertiary institutions of Nigeria. The study practically adopted a correlation research design which also involved simple and multiple linear methods using relational/predicting approach. Purposive, cluster, disproportionate and simple random sampling techniques were involved to draw out a sample size of 3000. Data were collected via primary source through the use of a questionnaire and a rating scale. The rating scale was validated by specialists and experts in research methodology and was subjected to reliability analysis which gave an index of 0.81 using Cronbach alpha statistics. Data collection covered an uninterrupted period of 30 days after which the collected data were organized and presented in tables for analyses. Simple Linear Regression and Multiple Linear Regression statistics and their associated test statistics such as t-test of significance of simple linear correlation and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) F-test were involved for the analysis. Among others, the findings were that students’ gender is a significant predictor to their business management skills in business enterprise; and that students’ gender is a significant predictor to their technical, accounting and ICT compliance skills in business enterprise. The researchers recommended among others that before policies or decision are taken concerning students’ entrepreneurial skills in business enterprise, their gender should be considered.