ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SELF-EMPLOYMENT ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX IN NIGERIA

Abstract

development index in Nigeria. The specific objective was to examine the influence of
entrepreneurial self-employment to Nigerian human capital development. An ex-post facto
research design was adopted in the study. Secondary data were collected from the National
Bureau of Statistics for a period of 16 years, spanning the period from 2007 to 2022. Data
were analysed using descriptive tools and inferential analysis. The hypothesis was validated
using estimates from robust least square regression at a 5% significance level. The finding
revealed that entrepreneurial self-employment significantly enhances the Nigerian human
development index. In conclusion, entrepreneurial self-employment has a transformative
potential to drive socioeconomic progress and improve human well-being. The study
therefore recommended that by recognising and supporting the role of entrepreneurship in
development strategies, Nigeria can unlock new pathways for sustainable and inclusive
growth, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and equitable society.