FRESH GRADUATES

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