Role of Agricultural Education Programme for Entrepreneurship Skill Development among Students in Rivers State Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

This study assessed the role agricultural education programme for entrepreneurship skill development among students 
in Rivers State Tertiary Institutions. The population of the study comprised of 502 (19 lecturers and 483 students) 
Agricultural Education lecturers and students in the study area. The study adopted double sampling technique, the 
entire population (census) of lecturers was chosen, while random sampling technique was used to select 200 students. 
Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Data were collected using well validated and structured 
questionnaire. The reliability coefficient (r) yielded 0.87 using test-retest method. Data were analyzed descriptively 
using Mean and Standard Deviation with acceptable mean value of 2.50 and above. The findings showed that handson experience in agricultural education enhance students’ self-confidence, gives students in-depth knowledge on 
planning in agricultural enterprise improves students’ production skills and enhance students’ new idea in agricultural 
production. Based on the findings the study recommended that Rivers State government should ensure agricultural 
education is directed towards integrating the needed skills that will propel students in managing and bringing new 
ideas in agricultural production and teachers should endeavor to practically inculcate these skills to develop students’ 
self-reliance and boost their income after graduation.