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07030248044CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Research on the menace of unemployment has created a huge gap in the mind of many researchers particularly in Nigeria and the world by extension. This is so because the rising rate of poverty and other social vices have aggravated the economic recession and political crises experienced in recent times in the country. World Bank (2004) in its report asserted that poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa is set to rise and by 2015 constitute more than 50% of the world poorest people. Thankfully, Nigeria is naturally endowed with both material, human and entrepreneurship skills but the realization of the full potential of these opportunities has been inhibited by the policy implementation of inappropriate and unsustainable industrialization at different periods (Thaddeus, 2012; Adebobola, 2014). Government at all levels have come up with several policies in other to stimulate entrepreneurship development via and small and medium scale enterprises based on technology transfer strategy, were unsuccessful in the achievement of the desired goals as it led to the most indigenous entrepreneurs turning to distribution agents of foreign products in contrast to building in-country entrepreneurial capacity for manufacturing, mechanized agriculture and expert services (Adebobola, 2014). According to Chu, Kara, Benzing (2010); Nwaka (2005); Oyelola Ajiboshin, Raimi, Raheem and Igwe (2013), between 45 and 60 percent of the urban labour force engage in small private enterprises which is believed to have contributed greatly to job creation in Nigeria. Entrepreneurship on the other hand has been beneficial because the Nigerian private sector comprising of mostly entrepreneurship centers and small and medium enterprises provides diverse employment opportunities for over 50 percent of the country's population and 50 percent of the industrial output (Ariyo, 2005; Oyelola et al, 2013). Many other countries have been able to strengthen and transform entrepreneurship sub-sector to such a vibrant and exciting industry such that they have been able to reduce significantly their unemployment and poverty level because of the huge and enormous contribution of the sub-sector to their economic growth and development (Onugu, 2005). Regrettably, this cannot be said about Nigeria as the case is different. Citizens particularly youths in Cross River State are said to be confronted with poverty and unemployment/under employment which is caused by lack of capacity and essential productive skills for both creative employment in existing organizations and for self-employment (Sagagi, 2010). Many people are unemployed because they have not acquired the kind of skills that are frequently demanded in the environment they operate. Others are unemployed because their skills have been rendered obsolete by technological changes or because they have no skills at all (Kpakol, 2006). With inadequate skills and few opportunities, Nigerians particularly the youths in the country face a future of low-wage employment, unemployment and underemployment in the informal sector with little security and prospects (Dandago & Muhammad, 2014). The expansion of employment opportunities in Nigeria is far below the growth in population because of lack of productive skills and investments. This reality leaves youth in the state without any sustainable means of livelihood, as a result of which, poverty and unemployment have become the ugly twin faces of the nation’s economy. There is no doubt that one of the problems confronting many nations is how to combat the challenges of unemployment, with entrepreneurship center development seen as a remedy to this problem.
STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL PROBLEM
Unemployment as it is called has been an issue of discourse in Nigeria. This has grown large that the situation cannot be addressed by mere campaign or words of mouth (Nwankwo & Ifejiofor, 2014). It requires the combined efforts of both individuals and the government of the country in particular and the world at large to formulate a lasting strategy to curb this menace. Unemployment in Nigeria has affected the youth and the economic development of the country from a broad spectrum of socio-economic perspective. It is obvious that the situation especially that of youth unemployment affected Nigeria's progress in several ways. Apart from the economic waste it brought to the nation, it also constitutes political unrest for the country (Ipaye, 1998). According to Ezie (2012), the unemployment situation in Nigeria is disturbing and even more disheartening that the country's economic condition cannot absorb an optimal proportion of its labour force. This situation has resulted in the continuous increase in crimes and other social vices experienced in our society in recent time. To salvage this ugly situation, several strategies have been developed in all spares of human endeavours. These strategies are all found in entrepreneurship.Taiwo (2014) observed that in any given economy, entrepreneurship center development always give birth to job creation which will force people to do something that will better their lives and the country at large. He evaluated the relationship between job creation and entrepreneurship center development in Nigeria. It was clear from his observation, job creation or employment opportunity in an economy can be traceable to entrepreneurship center training and development. This is similar to the study of Nwachukwu & Ogbo (2012), Bandal (2010), Baba (2013), Okoye, Iloanya & Udunze (2014), Ebiringa (2012), Asad, Ali & Islam (2014), Snapps & Hamilton (2012) and Dandago & Muhammad, (2014). Therefore, many studies have been conducted on this area in many part of the world as well as in Nigeria, but none has been done in Cross River state. This study sought to investigate the extent of relationship between entrepreneurship center development and unemployment reduction in calabar.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The major aim of the study is to examine the impact of entrepreneurship center on job creation in Nigeria. Other specific objectives of the study include the following;
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
H0: There is no significant impact of entrepreneurship centers on job creation in Nigeria.
H1: There is a significant impact of entrepreneurship centers on job creation in Nigeria.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study would be of immense importance towards the development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria which would enhance job creation among the high population of unemployed or under employed youths. This study would also be of immense benefit to students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing a further study on the subject matter by proving useful and recent literature that would aid other research work.
SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study is restricted to the impact of entrepreneurship center on job creation in Nigeria using NIC catering school calabar Cross River state as a case study.
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
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