Influence of Entrepreneurship Training Programmes on Socio-Economic Development of Youths in Port-Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

The study investigated the Influence of entrepreneurship training programmes on the socio-economic development of youths in Port Harcourt Metropolis. To structure the research, two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated. A descriptive research design was adopted, encompassing a target population of 6,200 trainees and trainers from various entrepreneurship training centres within the metropolis. The sample size of 376 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s (1967) formula, and a simple random sampling method was employed to distribute the questionnaire, which served as the primary data collection instrument. Data were obtained through the ‘Influence of Entrepreneurship Training Programmes on Socio-Economic Development of Youths Questionnaire’ (IETPSEDYD), which was validated by experts from the Faculty of Education. The reliability of the instrument was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient, confirming its internal consistency. The collected data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions, while the z-test was applied to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study indicated that entrepreneurship training programmes play a pivotal role in enhancing the socio-economic status of youths in Port Harcourt Metropolis. These initiatives provide young individuals with vital entrepreneurial skills, promoting self-sufficiency and job creation. As a result, the study recommended that both governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should allocate sufficient financial resources to support these programmes, ensuring their effectiveness in empowering youths both economically and socially.