ENTREPRENEURSHIP PERCEPTION AND JOB CREATION IN OSOGBO OSUN STATE NIGERIA

The study examined the factors affecting the entrepreneurship perception of fresh graduates in Osogbo Metropolis, assessed the influence of entrepreneurial experience on employment creation among these graduates, and determined the effect of entrepreneurship perception on graduates' job creation abilities. These objectives were pursued with a view to examining the relationship between entrepreneurship perception and employment creation among graduates in Osogbo Metropolis. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 120 graduates selected from a population of 1,930 graduates, comprising Corps members (fresh graduates) posted to Osogbo Metropolis, Osun State, Southwest Nigeria, between 2025 and 2026. A sample size of 120 graduates was selected using a proportionate random sampling technique based on the proportion of Corps members serving at their primary places of assignment, and a purposive sampling technique was also used to reach the target respondents. Questionnaires were administered to the selected Corps members, and all 120 copies were duly completed and returned. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and linear regression analyses. The results revealed that entrepreneurial experience had a significant influence on employment creation. Entrepreneurship education, risk perception, and entrepreneurial attitude also made significant contributions to employment creation. The study further found that entrepreneurship perception had a positive and significant effect on graduates' job creation abilities in the study area. The study concluded that entrepreneurship perception positively influences graduates' job creation abilities. It recommends that graduates should develop positive attitudes toward entrepreneurship in order to enhance their perception of entrepreneurial opportunities and strengthen their job creation capacities. The government should establish training centers that promote positive entrepreneurship perceptions among graduates. Furthermore, experienced entrepreneurs should mentor and train young graduates in entrepreneurial practices to enable them to develop their entrepreneurial skills through training and guidance.