BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS’ ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS ACQUISITION AND THE ATTAINMENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract This study examined Business Education students’ entrepreneurship skills acquisition and the attainment of sustainable development. The increasing rate of unemployment, poverty, and economic challenges facing many developing countries has made entrepreneurship education an essential component of Business Education programmes. Entrepreneurship skills acquisition equips students with practical competencies such as creativity, innovation, communication, leadership, financial management, decision-making, problem-solving, and risk-taking abilities required for self-employment and business development. The study explored the role of these skills in promoting sustainable development through employment generation, poverty reduction, wealth creation, economic growth, and social transformation. The paper also identified challenges hindering effective entrepreneurship skills acquisition among Business Education students, including inadequate funding, insufficient training facilities, lack of qualified instructors, and limited access to startup capital. Furthermore, strategies for enhancing entrepreneurship education were discussed, such as increased government support, improved practical training, industry collaboration, and the integration of information and communication technology into entrepreneurship programmes. The study concluded that entrepreneurship skills acquisition is a vital tool for achieving sustainable development because it empowers students to become self-reliant, innovative, and productive members of society. The study recommended greater investment in entrepreneurship education and the provision of enabling environments that encourage entrepreneurial activities among graduates.