INFLUENCE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICES ON GROWTH OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA: ROLE OF SELF-MOTIVATION

Abstract

This study aims to explore the impact of entrepreneurial education and
entrepreneurial practices on women empowerment and how does self-motivation
help in this process. Women face persistent gaps in accessing resources,
knowledge and services leading to a poverty scourge in Nigeria particularly
severe among women in Northern Nigeria, where up to 80 percent of the
population continues to live below the poverty line and with limited access to
entrepreneurial education, low level of business practice and low infrastructures.
This study used data from female entrepreneurs in three northern states (Kaduna,
Kano and Zamfara) using a survey and the analysis was done with the PLS-SEM
to test the hypotheses. The result revealed that entrepreneurial education and
entrepreneurial practices affect growth of female entrepreneurs positively and
significant. While the moderating role of self-motivation on the relationship
between entrepreneurial education was positive and significant and
entrepreneurial practices was positive and insignificant to growth of female
entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria. It concluded that significant implications for
the growth and empowerment of female entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria.
Entrepreneurial education and practical application have been confirmed as
potent drivers of business growth, underlining the importance of equipping
women with the right knowledge and skills to thrive in the challenging business
landscape. The study recommended that, it is crucial for policymakers and
support organizations to prioritize education and practical guidance tailored to
the unique challenges and opportunities in the region. Additionally, programs
aimed at nurturing self-motivation and addressing societal norms should be
integrated into entrepreneurship support initiatives.