The mediating effects of entrepreneurial self-efficacy in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and start-up readiness

In Nigeria, there is a growing concern that graduates from science and engineering fields are not ready for entrepreneurship due to low business creation among young individuals. Another perspective suggests that entrepreneurship curriculum only prepares the students to seek for employment rather than become entrepreneurs. Previous studies have revealed that there are several cognitive factors responsible for readiness to start a business other than entrepreneurship education. The purpose of this study is to determine social cognitive factors that can stimulate start-up readiness. Thus, this study examined the mediating effects of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and start-up readiness. Three dimensions of entrepreneurship education and four dimensions of ESE were examined as determinants of start-up readiness using survey research approach. Data from 289 exit-level students from three Technical Vocational Education and Technology (TVET) colleges were analysed using SPSS 25 and Smart PLS 4 software. Entrepreneurship education (in terms of technical skills and business management skills) shows partial support for ESE (in terms of searching, planning, and implementing). However, entrepreneurship education (in terms of personal skills) only shows support for ESE (in terms of marshalling). The results of the mediation analysis suggest that ESE (in terms of searching, planning, and implementing) partially mediates the relationship between entrepreneurship education and start-up readiness, while ESE marshalling failed to mediate the relationship between entrepreneurship education and start-up readiness. This study also revealed that apart from ESE marshalling, all components of ESE have a direct and significant relationship with start-up readiness. Another contribution of this study indicates that personal entrepreneurial skills are required antecedent for enhancing business resources gathering skills towards start-up readiness among young individuals in Nigeria. The study suggests fostering entrepreneurial mindset via simulation-based techniques, role playing, and mentoring with practical translations.