International Council for Education, Research and Training

Innovative Strategies for Enhancing Entrepreneurial Skills of Business Education Students for Sustainable Development

AbdulRafiu, Abdullahi1, Makinde, Semiu Olawale2, Mohammed, Abdulrazak3 and Sakariyahu, Shehu4

1 Business Education Department, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria

2 Department of Science Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria

3 Department of Business Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria

4 Department of Business Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

This study looks into fresh, innovative ways to help business education students develop the entrepreneurial skills they need for sustainable development. The research was guided by two key research questions and tested two hypotheses, with the findings analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. The study employed a descriptive survey design, targeting 120 business education students from various universities. A self-developed structured questionnaire titled “Innovative Strategies for Enhancing Entrepreneurial Skills (ISESQ)” was developed by the researcher. Response options for the two research questions used a modified 4-point rating scale: ‘Very High Extent (VHE)’-4 points, ‘High Extent (HE)’ – 3 points, ‘Low Extent (LE)’ – 2 points, and ‘Very Low Extent (VLE)’ – 1 point. The authenticity of this instrument was guaranteed when it went through a review process by two experts from the Business Education Department and one from Test and Measurement of Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria, for face and content accuracy. The data collected was analyzed through Cronbach Alpha reliability co-efficient and the instrument shows a validated reliability coefficient of 0.71. The findings revealed that innovative strategies play a vital role in developing the entrepreneurial skills of business education students for sustainable development. It was recommended that universities should offer more experiential learning opportunities and build stronger partnerships with industries to close the gap between classroom theory and real-world business skills. These approaches will better equip business education graduates to succeed in entrepreneurship and actively support societal sustainability.

Keywords:Innovative Strategies, Entrepreneurial skills, Business Education, Sustainable development

Impact statement

This study draws attention to the redemptive role of innovative techniques, such as experiential learning and industry alliances, in enhancing entrepreneurial skills among business education students for sustainable development. Closing the gap between practical application and theoretical knowledge, students can be adequately acquainted with necessary tools using these approaches to navigate the multifacetedness of the advanced business community. Creativity, problem-solving and adaptability can be achieved through experiential learning activities while industry alliances facilitate mentorship, networking opportunities, and real-world exposure. The approach connects educational goals with the shifting needs of entrepreneurial landscapes, equipping students to promote social justice, foster economic development, and champion environmental sustainability. The research underscores the pressing need for educational transformations prioritizing experiential learning and collaborative engagement with key stakeholders. It provides a framework for institutions to cultivate innovative entrepreneurs ready to tackle future challenges through responsible and meaningful business strategies. 

About The Authors

Abdullahi AbdulRafiu is a Ph.D student in Business Education from the Kwara state University, Malete and Assistant Lecturer at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria. A member of Association of Business education of Nigeria (ABEN) and Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), his research interest is on Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Information technology which addressing academic and societal challenges, spanning diverse disciplines to create entrepreneurship solutions in education and community development. 

Dr. Semiu Olawale Makinde holds a PhD in Educational Technology from the University of Ilorin and is a Senior Lecturer as well as the Acting Director of the Institute of Education at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria. A member of several professional associations, his research focuses on leveraging technology to address academic and societal challenges, spanning diverse disciplines to create innovative solutions for education and community development.

Dr. Abdulrazak Mohammed, an academician with a PhD in Business Education. He held from Niger state. He is currently a Lecturer at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, and the pioneer Head of the Business Education Department. He has taught at various institutions, including Niger State College of Education and Federal Government Girls College, Zaria. His academic qualifications include a B.Ed, M.Ed, and PhD in Business Education. Dr. Mohammed’s research interests focus on pedagogical skills, curriculum development, and business education for economic stability. He has published numerous articles in national and international journals and supervised both undergraduate and postgraduate students. He his happily married and bless with kids.

Sakariyahu Shehu is a Ph.D student in the Green University for Community Development and Entrepreneurship, KWASU as well as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Business Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. He enjoys the membership of Association of Business Educators of Nigeria (ABEN); Business Educators Association in Vocational Education (BEAVE); and Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). His research interest centered on Business and Entrepreneurship Education, with a specific emphasis on developing innovative and effective approaches to teaching and learning in Entrepreneurship and Business Education.

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