GENDER AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS AMONG FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS IN NIGERIAN POLYTECHNICS

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is widely acknowledged as a critical driver of economic growth and job creation, particularly in developing countries. Understanding the factors that influence students' entrepreneurial intentions is vital for designing effective educational and policy interventions. This study investigates the role of gender in shaping the entrepreneurial intentions of final-year students at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State. Specifically, the study examines whether male and female students differ significantly in their behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and personal attitudes toward entrepreneurship. The study was underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). A survey research design was adopted, and primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of final-year students. Regression analysis was employed to analyze the data using SPSS. The findings revealed a significant relationship between behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, personal attitudes, and entrepreneurial intentions. However, while both male and female students exhibited positive entrepreneurial intentions, gender-based disparities were observed in terms of risk tolerance, access to entrepreneurial role models, and confidence in starting a business. The study concluded that gender has a significant effect on the entrepreneurial intentions of final-year students at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. Therefore, there is a need for gender-responsive entrepreneurship education and support systems to harness the full potential of young graduates, irrespective of gender.