Entrepreneurship Education and Graduates Unemployment in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area (OBALGA) of Rivers State

This study examines entrepreneurship education and graduate unemployment in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. This study used the descriptive survey research design. A sample of 600 proportionally selected respondents or graduates from 12 randomly selected communities in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area participated in the study. A 50 item two experts validated self-structured 4-point rating scale instrument titled “Entrepreneurship Education and Graduate Unemployment Questionnaire” (EEGUQ) with a reliability coefficient of .757 (using Cronbach Alpha (ra) method) was used to collect the data analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research question 1 (with a criterion mean cut off of 2.5), while Pearson product moment coefficient (PPMC) was used to answer research questions 2, 3 and 4 at 0.05 level of significance. The study discovered that: acquiring intellectual skills (r= 0.086), possessing interpersonal skills (r= 0.145), and exhibiting innovative skills (r = 0.076) contributed in reducing graduates unemployment in OBALGA. The study suggested amongst others that Graduates are encouraged to be creative and innovative in identifying skills and exploring new business opportunities around their environment to their own economic benefit. Alongside, educational institutions should establish entrepreneurial centres where youths can acquire apprenticeship and adequate training in their chosen self-reliant skill that will improve their income, productivity, and self-employability