Roles of Business Education in Promoting Functional Entrepreneurial Practices for Graduates' Job Creation and Sustainable Economic Development in Delta State

The study examined the roles of business education in promoting functional entrepreneurship practices for graduates' job creation and sustainable economic development in Delta State. Two research questions guided the study. Two null hypotheses were tested. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 99 business educators in the three colleges of education in Delta State. The entire population was studied without sampling due to its manageable size. A questionnaire structured on 4-point rating scale and contained 29-item statements was used to generate data. The instrument was validated by two experts. The reliability test was determined using Cronbach Alpha which yielded overall coefficient value of 0.79. The 99 copies of the instruments were administered to the respondents and 97 were successfully retrieved. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that more practical and less theory teaching of entrepreneurial-related courses; practical examination for students to include production of diverse products for entrepreneurial skills development, teaching students direct and online marketing practically among others are ways business education promotes functional entrepreneurial practices for graduates' job creation and sustainable economic development in Delta State It was recommended among others that business educators should examine students on entrepreneurial skills acquisition based on practical experience and showcased during entrepreneurial product exhibition.