ENTERPRENUERSHIP

This study examined the determinants of entrepreneurial intention among fresh graduates in Edo State, Nigeria, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as the theoretical framework. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of personal attitude, perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, access to capital, and gender on entrepreneurial intention. A survey research design was adopted, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 400 fresh graduates from universities, polytechnics, and collegesof edu cation in Edo State. A total of 384 valid responses were obtained, representing a 96% response rate. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis with the aid of SPSS version 26. The findings revealed that personal attitude, perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, access to capital, and gender all have significant positive effects on entrepreneurial intention. Among these variables, personal attitude and perceived behavioural control emerged as the strongest predictors of entrepreneurial intention, indicating that graduates’ perceptions, confidence, and self-efficacy play a crucial role in shaping their entrepreneurial aspirations. Subjective norms also significantly influenced intention, highlighting the importance of social support systems such as family and peers. Access to capital was found to be a critical enabling factor, although respondents expressed concerns regarding the ease of accessing financial resources. Gender showed a significant but relatively weaker influence, suggesting the persistence of moderate gender disparities in entrepreneurial participation. The study concludes that entrepreneurial intention among Nigerian graduates is driven by a combination of psychological, social, and financial factors. It recommends strengthening entrepreneurship education, improving access to finance, promoting supportive social environments, and implementing gender-inclusive policies to enhance entrepreneurial development among graduates. The study contributes to existing literature by extending the TPB framework to include access to capital and gender as important contextual factors in a developing economy

This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) usage on innovative thinking among university students in Nigeria, with a focus on students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to students selected via simple random sampling. The instrument captured students’ frequency and purpose of AI use, as well as perceptions of its influence on creative and innovative thinking. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis with SPSS. The findings reveal that AI tools are widely and regularly used by students for academic and creative activities, serving as guides for idea generation, problem- solving, and conceptual clarification. Results further indicate that AI usage has a positive and significant influence on innovative thinking, while also raising concerns about overreliance and ethical considerations. Overall, the study concludes that AI plays a supportive role in enhancing students’ innovative capacities when used responsibly, and it recommends the promotion of balanced AI literacy in higher education to sustain creativity and independent thinking

Entrepreneurship has become an area of interest to many researchers, policy-makers, economists, academics and even university students are talking about it. Seminars, conferences and workshops are being organized every year across the world with emphasis on the importance of any entrepreneurship to country, society as well as individual development. Today, entrepreneurship is regarded as one of the best economic development strategies which improves the country’ s competitiveness in the face of the increasing trends of globalisation. For most people, the popularity of entrepreneurship is largely due to the positive effects it has on many countries as a catalyst that creates wealth and the generation of job opportunities. As a result of this, this study investigated the factors that influences entrepreneurial intentions among young people in Nigeria. In order to achieve this, a descriptive survey research design was used in eliciting response gotten from respondents. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data from students of the Department of Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Management Science, University of Benin. While the sample size was restricted to 218 students from the Department. The collected data was analyzed using the simple percentage table. In the findings, it was revealed that creativity to entrepreneurial learning influence on entrepreneurial learning among young people in Nigeria. It was also revealed that Tertiary institution promotes entrepreneurship intention among young people in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommends that that education about entrepreneurship and for entrepreneurship will increase students’ interest in becoming entrepreneurs at some stage after graduation. It was also recommended that graduates entrepreneurial intention can be further increased and sustained through: the adoption of entrepreneurial learning as entrepreneurship development approach by centres of entrepreneurship development in Nigerian tertiary institutions; students should be mixed during entrepreneurship programmes with recourse to their level of creativity, family background, ethnic group, age, business experience and courses studied

Information Technology is the study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending information. This study examines the Impact of Information Technology on the Development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Benin City. Survey research design was employed in the study. Primary data was collected through hand-administration of questionnaires to respondents with a convenience sampling method. The data obtained was gotten from a total of 50 respondents from business owners/managers as well as small and medium scale businesses in Benin City. Furthermore, descriptive and percentage/inferential statistics was used to analyze the data that were collected with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The findings revealed that There is a relationship between Information Technology and business development in Benin City. Based on the findings of this research work, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Benin City have the potential to increase its productive capacity through the efficient use of Information Technology. Recommendations is made on Modern Technologies, communicating with key stakeholders such as Producers, Manufacturers and Suppliers in order to foster a better working relationship.

The study investigated the influence of entrepreneurial characteristics on business performance. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of entrepreneurial competency, innovation and skill acquisition on business performance, also to identify the factors affecting entrepreneurial development in Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey research was used for the study. The population of the study was 430 entrepreneurs and the sample was 86 entrepreneurs within the University of Benin community. Data was collected through the use of a well-structured questionnaire and the copies were administered, collected and analyzed. Mean was used for the data analysis. The findings revealed that entrepreneurial competency, innovation and skill acquisition influence business performance. The study recommends amongst others that on-the-job trainings and conferences should be encouraged in firms to increase entrepreneurs’ competency and competitive strategies, practical entrepreneurship approach should be adopted in teaching entrepreneurship in schools, also infrastructures such as electricity, good roads, should be put in good shape to ensure the survival of business enterprise and the creation of new business venture.