- Onabe Deborah Bombum PhD1, Edoho Glory Emmanuel PhD2 and Kazon Ishaku3
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1Department of Educational Management, University of Calabar. 2Department of Continuing Education and Development Studies. 3Taraba state Post Primary School Management Board, Jalingo
The high unemployment rate among tertiary institution graduates in Cross River State, Nigeria is a significant concern. This study explores the impact of entrepreneurial education management on reducing unemployment among tertiary institution graduates in the state. This study employed a qualitative research design, using a case study approach to explore the impact of entrepreneurship education management on unemployment reduction among tertiary institution graduates in Cross River State, Nigeria. The case study approach allowed for an in-depth examination of the phenomenon, providing rich and detailed insights into the experiences and perspectives of the graduates. The study focused on a single case, namely, the University of Calabar, which was selected based on its reputation for entrepreneurship education and its location in Cross River State. The data collection methods used in this study included document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Document analysis involved a review of relevant documents, including policy documents, curriculum guides, and reports on entrepreneurship education at the University of Calabar. These documents provided valuable insights into the university’s approach to entrepreneurship education and its impact on graduate employability. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 120 graduates from 10 different faculties and administrators across several universities and polytechnics in Cross River State, who were selected based on their involvement in entrepreneurship education programmes. Based on the findings of the study, it is therefore recommended that the institutional administrators should establish stronger partnerships between educational institutions and local businesses to provide students with hands-on entrepreneurial experiences and exposure to real-world challenges.