ASSESSING THE DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED BY 21ST CENTURY GRADUATES FOR SELF-RELIANCE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Abstract

As the global economy becomes increasingly digitalized, graduates are expected to possess relevant digital entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to compete effectively in the labour market and become self-reliant. This study investigated the digital entrepreneurial skills required by 21st-century tertiary institution graduates for self-reliance in Southeast Nigeria. One research question and one null hypothesis guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised labourers in selected sectors of the economy. Using stratified and simple random sampling techniques, 280 employees from the manufacturing, banking and finance, education, and telecommunications sectors were selected. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire containing 15 items rated on a four-point scale. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research question, while an independent-samples t-test was employed to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that graduates require digital entrepreneurial skills such as data analytics, content marketing, mobile marketing, search engine optimization, and strategic planning to achieve self-reliance. The study further found no significant difference between the mean ratings of public and private employers regarding the digital entrepreneurial skills needed by graduates. It was concluded that the acquisition of digital entrepreneurial skills can enhance graduate employability, promote self-reliance, and reduce unemployment