GENDER FACTOR AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION AMONG FINAL-YEAR STUDENTS OF AAUA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the influence of gender factors on the entrepreneurial intentions of final-year students at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Nigeria. Against the backdrop of high graduate unemployment, the research sought to determine the effects of personal attitude, supportive norms for innovation, and the university's innovative culture on students' intentions to start a business.
A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire from a sample of 77 final-year students selected via convenience sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that personal attitude, supportive norms, and innovative culture all had significant positive influences on entrepreneurial intention. While students exhibited strong entrepreneurial self-belief and received considerable support from family and peers, a significant intention-action gap was identified.
Key challenges included a perceived lack of practical training, inadequate institutional resources for startups, and a critical shortage of mentorship. The regression analysis showed that personal attitude had a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial intention as indicated in the hypothesis (β= 0.531, t=7.211, p< 0.05). In addition, the analysis showed that supportive norms had a significant positive influence on entrepreneurial intention as indicated in the hypothesis (β= 0.312, t=4.547, p< 0.05). Finally, the results revealed that innovative had positive effect as shown by the results (β= 0.228, t=3.509, p< 0.05). The study concludes that despite high entrepreneurial potential among students, the university's ecosystem is not fully equipped to bridge the gap between intention and venture creation. Recommendations include a curriculum overhaul towards experiential learning, establishing a robust support system with incubation and mentorship programs, and implementing targeted initiatives to address gender-based disparities.
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