ntrepreneurship Education in Social Studies Curriculum and Youth Employment Intentions: Implications for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This analysis looks at how the entrepreneurship education component within the social dtudies curriculum impacts students’ employment intentions in Nigeria, and also the effect on sustainable economic development when entrepreneurship education is integrated within the social studies curriculum. This analysis adopted quantitative descriptive survey method and qualitative thematic analysis. The data were collected based on stratified random sampling across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The sample comprised 420 students in senior secondary school. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. This findings showed that there is an increase in students’ employment intentions when they study entrepreneurship education. This is especially the case in entrepreneurship education and the shift in foster a job-seeking to the job-creating mindset. However, notable regional disparities were identified as a result of the lack of resources, infrastructure, and institutional support. The study is based on the human capital theory, constructivist learning theory, and theory of planned behaviour, which explains the relationship between acquiring skills, learning by doing, and experience among students, and how these combine to influence student’s entrepreneurial intentions and activity. The study outlines the need for reform in the curriculum and the focus on practical approaches to teaching. The findings underscore the importance of equitable distribution of resources and concludes that the integration of entrepreneurship education within social studies is one of the ways Nigeria can achieve sustainable economic development and reduce unemployment among youth.