DEPARTMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The study examines empirically the challenges faced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in assessing finance in Nigeria. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in economic transformation and industrialization both for developed and developing countries. Survey research design was employed through well-structured questionnaire of two sections which were administered to Accountants, Manager and owner) MSMEs in Egor Local Government area of Edo State. One hundred (100) questionnaire were administered to respondents out of which eighty-four (84) copies were retrieved from
the respondents and analyzed with simple percentage and statistical tool of Chi- square. The results of the analysis indicated that there are loan facilities provided for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by financial institutions in Nigeria. Also, there is relationship between processes and procedures involved in accessing loans and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from financial institutions in Nigeria, there are challenges associated with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) access to loans in Nigeria. Thus, the study recommends that Proper management and timely release of funds meant for SMEs by relevant bodies, formulation and implementation of appropriate policies in favour of MSMEs, building up technological capacity, knowledge flows and technology databases. Also, the operators of small scale business should operate in such a way that the commercial banks will be able improve their confidence in them and thereby see prospect in them

Among the most powerful forces affecting the world’s economy and commerce today is the substantial increase in globalisation through the use of information and communications Technologies (ICTs) (Kaynak et al., 2005). Kaynak et al (2005) sugges was revolutionary, now, it is simply evolutionary. E-commerce provides many opportunities to create better business economics (Oliver, 1999) and some have gone as far as indicating that e- commerce is the “great equalizer” (Quinn, 1999), if these statements are true then it would mean that businesses should be receiving some sort of benefit from the implementation of these
technologies. The ability of the World Wide Web (WWW) to facilitate communication has triggered the need for businesses to think about new ways of conducting their affairs (Herbig and Hale, 1997; Pattinson and Brown 1996; Hamill, 1997). As the medium has been suffering from substantial hype, it would appear that business operators have been reluctant to participate in the e-commerce environment, although various researchers are predicting phenomenal growth in the near future (Hamill, 1997).

The study examined entrepreneurship development as a panacea for employment creation. The objectives of the study were to find out if entrepreneurship development has been a useful tool for employment creation in Nigeria, find out if the compulsory entrepreneurship education in institution can stimulate entrepreneurship skills in future graduates, and explore the effectiveness of entrepreneurship development course/training on unemployment reduction in Nigeria. The study employed the descriptive research design as it uses both quantitative and qualitative data at the same time by merging the data and using the results to understand a research problem. The targeted population for the study comprised registered entrepreneurs in South-
South Nigeria. However, for this study, the population was drawn from entrepreneurs in Benin City in which the population consists of (300) three-hundred respondents. Hence, the sample size for the study comprised of eighty-three (83) entrepreneurs in Benin City. The data for the study were presented in tables, using frequencies and percentages. The hypotheses were tested using
the chi-square distribution formula. The findings from the study revealed that entrepreneurship development has been a useful tool for employment creation, entrepreneurial development strategies has created good opportunities to startup businesses, entrepreneurship development always give birth to job creation which encourages the people to do something that will better
their lives and the country at large, entrepreneurship development has led to the development of indigenous entrepreneurship and increase utility of local resources, increasing incidence of youth unemployment in Nigeria has been associated with weaknesses in entrepreneurship education. The study then recommended that promoting entrepreneurship should be high in the agenda of governments seeking growth. To achieve this, the policy makers should be more precise in their macro and micro policy directions to target their efforts in promoting entrepreneurship as an effective instrument in defeating recession in the country, policy makers should tailor make the entrepreneurship spurring programs based on the specific requirements of these categories of entrepreneurs during economic recession, and that, regarding the industry composition (relative entries rates in different industries), policy makers should focus on industries that attract moreopportunity and necessity entrepreneurs during recession in the short term.

The study investigated the financial literacy and sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Benin Metropolis, Edo State. The research design adopted for this study is the descriptive survey research design. The population for this study was made up of all small scale business owners in Benin City, Edo State. According to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), there are 69,104 registered small scale businesses in Benin City, Edo State. The study’s sample size consisted of 100 small-scale business owners which were selected from four communities in Benin City, Edo State: Uselu, Oluku, Isihor, and Egor. The data collected for this study was analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages while the hypotheses for the study were tested using chi-square method.

This study examines the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in early childhood development, with a specific focus on literacy programs for orphaned children in Nigeria. The research explores how orphanages and NGO-led initiatives contribute to children's reading, writing, and spoken language comprehension. Using a survey research design approach, data were collected through a structured questionnaire from three selected orphanages in three local government areas in Benin City. The findings reveal that structured literacy programs within orphanages significantly enhance children's reading and writing abilities, while NGO interventions, including speech development programs and interactive storytelling, improve spoken language comprehension. Based on these findings, the recommendations made include increased funding for orphanages, expansion of NGO literacy programs, integration of these initiatives into national education policies, and enhanced community involvement. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of orphanage and NGO literacy programs in improving educational outcomes for vulnerable children in Nigeria.

This study examines the relationship between risk tolerance and entrepreneurial success in Nigeria, focusing on businesses inBenin City. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a sample size of 100 entrepreneurs, out of which 63 completed responses were retrieved. Data was analyzed using tables, percentages. Findings reveal that while risk-taking is essential for growth and innovation, many entrepreneurs face challenges such as economic instability, limited financial support, and regulatory hurdles. Younger entrepreneurs tend to exhibit higher risk tolerance, while others adopt a more cautious approach. High-risk tolerance fosters business growth and competitiveness but also increases the likelihood of failure, whereas low-risk tolerance limits expansion opportunities and long-term sustainability. The study highlights the crucial role of government policies, financial institutions, and mentorship programs in shaping risk tolerance. Supportive measures such as tax incentives, access to affordable credit, financial literacy training, and business insurance can help entrepreneurs manage risks more effectively. Strengthening mentorship and networking opportunities, encouraging research-driven innovation, and simplifying
bureaucratic processes will foster a more risk-tolerant business environment. By implementing these strategies, stakeholders can enhance entrepreneurial confidence, drive business success, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

This study investigates “Impact of entrepreneurship training on unemployment reduction in Nigeria”. The specific objectives include determining the extent at which entrepreneurship training help reduce unemployment in Nigeria, examine the relationship
between entrepreneurship skill acquisition and employment creation in Nigeria, and to know the challenges facing entrepreneurship training and employment creation in Nigeria. Three research questions guide this study, The Impact of entrepreneurship training on unemployment reduction located in Benin City. The sample size comprises 92 respondents, and data were collected through a 92-questionnaire survey of enterprises in Ugbowo, Benin City. The study was analysed using simple percentages, frequency table. The result From the findings emphasizes how entrepreneurship training programs in Nigeria have significantly contributed to reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth by equipping individuals with essential skills and promoting business startups. However, to fully realize their potential, it is vital to address challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, limited market access, regulatory barriers, and the lack of mentorship. Overcoming these obstacles will enable entrepreneurship training to continue playing a pivotal role in job creation and driving Nigeria's economic development.

This research explores the opportunities and challenges of family-owned businesses, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence their success and longevity. The broad objective is to identify the key enablers and obstacles that family businesses face and to offer actionable recommendations for enhancing their sustainability and growth. The study employs a survey methodology, gathering data from a diverse range of family-owned businesses. Respondents provided insights on various aspects such as succession planning, intergenerational involvement, communication, and conflict resolution. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the mean and standard deviation for each variable, highlighting the level
of agreement and variability in responses. The results reveal that early involvement of the next generation and structured succession planning are critical for fostering engagement and ensuring continuity. Effective communication and conflict resolution are also essential for mitigating internal disputes and maintaining performance. However, significant challenges include family conflict hindering succession planning and limited interest from the next generation. There is variability in opinions regarding the impact of effective succession on business growth and stability, indicating mixed perceptions of its benefits. To capitalize on their
inherent strengths and overcome challenges, family-owned businesses should prioritize structured succession planning and actively involve the next generation early, enhance communication and conflict resolution mechanisms for minimizing internal disputes as addressing family conflicts and fostering strong family relationships are essential for effective succession planning. By implementing these strategies, family businesses can achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. This research underscores the need for a strategic approach to managing family dynamics and succession processes, offering valuable insights for
practitioners and scholars in the field of family business management

This study investigates the attitude and adoption of affiliate marketing and drops hipping among university students. The main purpose of this study was to specifically find out the level of awareness, influence of academic commitments, impact does ethical dilemmas influence of fear of exploitation and challenges on students' participation in affiliate marketing and drops hipping. The design of the study was a survey research design. The population target of this study comprised of 100 University of Benin student. The research instruments used in gathering data was the questionnaire, which were administered to students of University of Benin. The instrument was validated by the research supervisor and other lecturers in the Department of Entrepreneurship. Mean, standard deviation, percentages, Pearson correlation and regression analysis were used analyze the research questions and hypotheses.
The findings reveal that level of awareness, academic commitments, ethical dilemmas, fear of exploitation and challenges significantly influenced student adoption of affiliate marketing and drops hipping ((P<0.05). It was also revealed that the most the most important factors that resulted to adoption of affiliate marketing and drops hipping were academic commitments (0.780), ethical dilemmas (0.755), fear of exploitation (0.738), level of awareness (0.604) and challenges (0.581) respectively. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that workshops, seminars, and training should be held to teach students about drops hipping and affiliate marketing, Students should connect with affiliate marketing and drops hipping experts and influencers to provide guidance and mentorship, Government and NGOs should encourage youth to develop skills in digital marketing and content creation through online courses or vocational training programs to enhance their affiliate marketing and drops hipping skills.

This study investigates the influence of entrepreneurial mind-set, innovation, business skills, and digital technology on the marketing performance and sustainability of small businesses in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed to small business owners and entrepreneurs across Benin City, and all were duly completed and analysed using descriptive
statistics and chi-square tests through SPSS software, representing a 100% response rate. The chi-square analysis revealed four key findings: (1) there is a significant relationship between an entrepreneur’s mind-set and marketing success, indicating that proactive and growth-oriented entrepreneurs tend to achieve higher business stability; (2) entrepreneurship, innovation, and
risk-taking significantly affect marketing strategy, showing that innovative entrepr between business skills and marketing competitiveness, emphasizing that financial management, planning, and communication skills enhance marketing performance; and (4) digital technology significantly improves marketing effectiveness, highlighting the role o