This study examined the mediating effects of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and start-up readiness among 289 exit-level students from three Nigerian Technical Vocational Education and Technology (TVET) colleges. Entrepreneurship education (technical and business management skills) partially supported ESE (searching, planning, implementing), while personal skills only supported ESE marshalling. ESE (searching, planning, implementing) partially mediated the relationship between entrepreneurship education and start-up readiness; ESE marshalling did not. All ESE components (except marshalling) showed a significant direct relationship with start-up readiness. Personal entrepreneurial skills were crucial for enhancing resource-gathering skills. The study suggests fostering entrepreneurial mindsets through simulation, role-playing, and mentoring.

Adeshina Olushola Adeniyi