The role of entrepreneurship education in new venture creation in the higher education institutions: A case study of Kumasi Polytechnic

Abstract

While the number of entrepreneurship education programmes is growing,their impact is under-researched and studies paint an ambiguous picture of the impact of entrepreneurship education. This study therefore examined the role of entrepreneurship education in new venture creation in the tertiary education. This study was basically quantitative in nature. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the data obtained from 227 participants who were students and lecturers from Kumasi Polytechnic.The findings revealed that entrepreneurship was core course that is taught at the Polytechnic. The course content included developing business plans, how to acquire start-up capital, how to grow business, taking initiatives and inculcating entrepreneurial mind-set into students. It was established that the teaching mode of the entrepreneurial courses at the polytechnic should be reviewed to enhance experiential learning for the full benefit of using entrepreneurship education as a tool for economic development to be realized. It was also realized from the study that most students study the course because it is perceived to be the most appropriate means to job creation that enables students to become effective entrepreneurs.The study recommends that the curriculum should be reviewed to close the mismatch between what is learnt in the classroom and what is practiced by iconic entrepreneurs.