Background of the study
Entrepreneurship has become a cornerstone of economic development, and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among students is vital for fostering innovation and self-employment (Lawal, 2023). In Bakura Local Government Area, informal education has emerged as a significant influencer in shaping students’ attitudes toward entrepreneurship. Informal educational programs—such as community business workshops, mentorship initiatives, and experiential learning activities—provide practical insights into business operations, risk-taking, and innovation that traditional classrooms may not offer (Abdullahi, 2024). These programs create an environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, essential attributes for entrepreneurial success. Research has demonstrated that exposure to real-world business challenges through informal learning can positively shift students’ perceptions of entrepreneurship, making it a viable and attractive career option (Musa, 2025). In Bakura, where formal education often emphasizes theoretical knowledge, informal education serves as a bridge that introduces students to practical business skills and local market dynamics. This approach allows learners to engage with local entrepreneurs, participate in hands-on projects, and witness first-hand the challenges and rewards of running a business (Sani, 2023). Moreover, informal educational settings tend to be more flexible and adaptive, enabling programs to be tailored to the unique economic and cultural context of Bakura. Such initiatives not only foster an entrepreneurial spirit but also contribute to community development by encouraging innovation and self-reliance (Hassan, 2024). However, despite these promising outcomes, the integration of informal entrepreneurial education within the broader educational framework remains inconsistent. There is a need to systematically evaluate the impact of these informal approaches on students’ attitudes toward entrepreneurship, as well as to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation (Yakubu, 2025). This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the extent to which informal education influences entrepreneurial attitudes among students in Bakura, while also considering the broader implications for local economic growth and sustainable development.
Statement of the problem
Notwithstanding the potential benefits of informal education in fostering entrepreneurial attitudes, significant challenges persist in Bakura Local Government Area. The formal educational system in Bakura largely remains oriented toward traditional academic subjects, with limited emphasis on entrepreneurial skills and practical business knowledge (Ibrahim, 2023). Consequently, students often develop a narrow view of career opportunities, which may limit their willingness to engage in entrepreneurial ventures. Informal educational programs, though present, frequently suffer from a lack of standardization, funding, and institutional support. This results in sporadic and uneven exposure to entrepreneurial concepts, thereby failing to produce a consistently positive impact on students’ attitudes (Usman, 2024). Moreover, socio-economic challenges and cultural predispositions may discourage risk-taking and innovation, further undermining the effectiveness of these programs (Bello, 2025). The absence of a coordinated strategy that integrates informal entrepreneurial training with formal curricula has led to missed opportunities for nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem among the youth. Additionally, the limited empirical data on the outcomes of informal entrepreneurial education in Bakura makes it difficult for policymakers to justify and expand such initiatives. The present study aims to address these issues by systematically examining the impact of informal education on students’ entrepreneurial attitudes. It will assess the extent to which these programs alter perceptions of entrepreneurship, identify gaps in program implementation, and propose strategies to enhance their effectiveness. By doing so, the study intends to provide a robust evidence base that can inform educational policy and promote a more entrepreneurial culture among students in Bakura (Ahmed, 2023).
Objectives of the study
To examine the influence of informal education on students’ attitudes toward entrepreneurship in Bakura.
To evaluate the practical impact of informal entrepreneurial programs on career choices.
To identify challenges and propose strategies for integrating entrepreneurial training within the educational framework.
Research questions
How does informal education influence students’ entrepreneurial attitudes in Bakura?
What is the impact of informal entrepreneurial programs on students’ career aspirations?
What challenges affect the effective implementation of informal entrepreneurial education in Bakura?
Research Hypotheses
H1: Informal education significantly improves students’ attitudes toward entrepreneurship.
H2: Exposure to informal entrepreneurial programs increases students’ likelihood of pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
H3: Institutional and socio-cultural challenges impede the full effectiveness of informal entrepreneurial education.
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it provides critical insights into how informal education shapes entrepreneurial attitudes among students in Bakura. The findings will help educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders develop strategies to integrate entrepreneurial training into educational programs effectively. By identifying key challenges and opportunities, the research will contribute to the creation of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, thereby promoting local economic development and innovation. The study ultimately aims to encourage a shift in career perceptions, fostering a generation of innovative and self-reliant entrepreneurs (Musa, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study
This study is limited to evaluating the impact of informal education on students’ attitudes toward entrepreneurship within Bakura Local Government Area, Zamfara State, and does not extend to other regions or educational models.
Definitions of terms
Informal Education: Learning outside traditional classroom settings, often through community-based and practical initiatives.
Entrepreneurship: The process of designing, launching, and running a new business or enterprise, typically marked by innovation and risk-taking.
Attitudes: Predispositions or mindsets that influence individuals’ behaviors and decisions regarding specific subjects or activities.
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