Knowledge Management and Development of Entrepreneurial Skills Among Students in Vocational Technical Institutions in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract: This study examined the extent to which learners in vocational technical institutions, capture, distribute, network and effectively use information made available to them during and after lectures that are entrepreneurially and skill oriented in order to furnish the labour market with relevant school products. Development of an entrepreneurial skill is capable of equipping the Nigerian students to fit into different aspects of the economy after graduation. The study adopted a descriptive design. A twenty‑item unstructured questionnaire was used to assess 150 randomly selected final year students⠒ capacity to transform ideas gained in class into creative problem‑solving strategies in three vocational technical colleges in Lagos in south west Nigeria. Three research questions and one hypothesis were used as guides to the study. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The major findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between knowledge management and the development of entrepreneurial skills among vocational technical students in the area of knowledge gathering, sharing, networking and students⠒ capacity to translate some curriculum elements into the world of work among others. Given the importance of knowledge sharing, creativity, innovations and connectivity through networking in today⠒s competitive world of work, it was recommended that students be linked up with several entrepreneurs who serve as mentors to students during and after training. Students should be made to participate in seminars and workshops that are entrepreneurially oriented. There should also be regular visits of students to small cottage industries in the form of field trips. Vocational and Technical Institutions should establish an appropriate culture that encourages students to create and share knowledge within and outside the school. There should be a collaborative effort between vocational institutions and some government agencies, for example⠒ Small and Medium Entrepreneurial Devel