THE ROLE OF BUSINESS EDUCATION IN ENHANCING EFFECTIVE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

In the quest for sustainable economic growth and national development, business education has 
emerged as a pivotal force in shaping managerial competence, entrepreneurial drive, and 
productivity. This study investigates the role of business education in enhancing effective 
business management for economic growth and national development in Nigeria. The study 
adopted a descriptive survey design to capture a broad understanding of how business education 
influences management practices. The population of the study was 610 respondents, comprised 
of business education lecturers, final-year students of business education, and managers of 
selected small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across five Nigerian state institutions. A 
sample of 320 respondents were selected using purposive and stratified random sampling 
techniques to ensure adequate representation of business education lecturers, students, 
educational institutions, business education stakeholders and managers of the selected business 
sectors.  
Data was collected using a validated structured questionnaire with a reliability 
coefficient of 0.83 (Cronbach’s Alpha). The instrument was administered physically and 
electronically, depending on institutional accessibility. Analysis of data was conducted using 
descriptive statistical tools. Findings revealed among others that business education contributes significantly to effective business management through enhanced administrative skills, strategic 
planning abilities, innovation capacity and fosters economic growth. However, the study 
identified challenges such as limited funding, obsolete curricula, and inadequate industry
academic collaboration. The study concluded that business education, when properly structured 
and supported, is a vital tool for national development and economic transformation. It 
recommends among others that stronger partnerships between educational institutions and the 
private sector could be strategic pathways for maximizing its impact for effective business 
management. maximizing its impact for effective business management.