Assessment of the entrepreneurial opportunities available to office technology management graduates in Bida, Niger state

Abstract

The curriculum for tertiary education in Nigeria now comprise of components that will equip students with entrepreneurial skills. The idea is to combat the prevailing high level of unemployment and dependence on government for employment. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has contributed immensely to the development of our society. This study assesses the entrepreneurial opportunities available to Office Technology and Management (OTM) graduates in Bida, Niger State of Nigeria. A questionnaire-based survey of likert scale was administered to respondents that are graduates of OTM in Federal Polytechnic, Bida and some of the entrepreneurs that operate ICT related businesses in Bida were interviewed. Evidence from the survey showed that there are entrepreneurial opportunities available to OTM graduates which vary from establishing a computer center, engaging in desktop publishing, engaging in programme application business, establishing a consultancy firm as well as engaging in secretarial activities. Therefore, it is recommended that Nigerian government agencies in charge of entrepreneurship should create more awareness on how graduates can access funds to venture into their own businesses.