Background of the Study
Entrepreneurship education has emerged as a vital complement to traditional STEM curricula, equipping students with the skills to innovate, solve complex problems, and create value in competitive markets. In Lavun LGA, Niger State, integrating entrepreneurship into STEM education is seen as a strategic approach to prepare students for the dynamic challenges of the modern economy (Udo, 2023; Musa, 2024). This educational model not only emphasizes technical proficiency but also fosters creative thinking, risk-taking, and business acumen—qualities essential for successful innovation and start-up ventures. By blending technical STEM knowledge with entrepreneurial skills, educational institutions aim to create a generation of problem solvers who are capable of identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in both local and global markets (Udo, 2023).
In Lavun LGA, efforts to incorporate entrepreneurship education within STEM programs have included workshops, business plan competitions, mentorship programs, and collaboration with local industry experts. These initiatives are intended to bridge the gap between academic theories and real-world business challenges, thereby enhancing students’ ability to translate technical knowledge into viable commercial ventures. The integration of entrepreneurship in STEM curricula is particularly significant in regions like Lavun LGA, where economic diversification and job creation are pressing needs. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, schools can help mitigate unemployment and stimulate regional economic growth (Musa, 2024).
Despite these promising initiatives, the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in influencing the career trajectories of STEM students remains under-explored. Concerns persist regarding the adequacy of resources, the quality of mentorship, and the alignment of entrepreneurship modules with the core STEM curriculum. Moreover, there is limited empirical data on how entrepreneurial training impacts students’ confidence, innovation capabilities, and long-term career outcomes. This study seeks to evaluate the effect of entrepreneurship education on STEM students in Lavun LGA, examining both the opportunities it creates and the challenges it faces. By providing a critical assessment of current practices, the research aims to offer evidence-based recommendations for integrating entrepreneurship more effectively within STEM education frameworks (Chinwe, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
While the integration of entrepreneurship education into STEM curricula is gaining momentum in Lavun LGA, several challenges undermine its full potential. One of the primary issues is the inadequate integration of entrepreneurial modules with the existing STEM curriculum. In many cases, the entrepreneurial content is treated as an add-on rather than a core component of the educational experience, leading to superficial exposure rather than deep engagement (Udo, 2023). Additionally, there is a shortage of qualified instructors who possess both technical STEM expertise and entrepreneurial experience, which compromises the quality of instruction and mentorship available to students (Musa, 2024).
Another significant challenge is the limited availability of resources, including funding, infrastructure, and industry linkages, that are essential for delivering comprehensive entrepreneurship education. These resource constraints hinder the development of robust programs that can offer hands-on learning experiences, such as prototype development, business incubation, and real-life problem solving. Moreover, the absence of clear evaluation frameworks makes it difficult to measure the effectiveness of entrepreneurship initiatives in terms of student outcomes, including innovation, job creation, and long-term career success (Chinwe, 2025).
Furthermore, cultural and contextual factors in Lavun LGA may influence the acceptance and impact of entrepreneurship education. Traditional views on career paths and a lack of awareness about entrepreneurial opportunities can limit student participation and enthusiasm for these programs. The combined effect of these issues creates a gap between the intended benefits of entrepreneurship education and its actual impact on STEM students. This study seeks to address these concerns by systematically evaluating the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in Lavun LGA and identifying strategies to enhance its integration into the STEM curriculum.
Objectives of the Study
To evaluate the impact of entrepreneurship education on the academic and career outcomes of STEM students in Lavun LGA.
To identify challenges in integrating entrepreneurship into the STEM curriculum.
To propose strategies for improving the delivery and effectiveness of entrepreneurship education.
Research Questions
What is the effect of entrepreneurship education on the career aspirations of STEM students in Lavun LGA?
What challenges hinder the effective integration of entrepreneurship education in STEM curricula?
How can entrepreneurship education be enhanced to better support STEM students’ innovation and career development?
Research Hypotheses
Entrepreneurship education significantly improves STEM students’ innovation skills and career readiness.
Inadequate integration of entrepreneurship modules negatively affects student engagement with the subject.
Enhanced resource allocation and instructor training will lead to better outcomes in entrepreneurship education for STEM students.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides critical insights into the integration of entrepreneurship education within STEM curricula in Lavun LGA. By evaluating the impact on student outcomes and identifying key challenges, the research will inform educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders about best practices for fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among STEM students. The findings will contribute to the design of more effective educational strategies that promote innovation, economic development, and long-term career success, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of the regional workforce.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to assessing the effect of entrepreneurship education on STEM students in selected schools within Lavun LGA, Niger State. It does not cover non-STEM fields or entrepreneurship initiatives in other regions.
Definitions of Terms
Entrepreneurship Education: Instructional programs aimed at developing business skills, innovation, and the ability to create and manage ventures.
STEM Students: Learners enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs.
Innovation Skills: The capacity to develop novel ideas and solutions to real-world problems.
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