LINKING AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION TO INNOVATION AND INDUSTRY FOR SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT: This study examined how agricultural science education, innovation and collaboration with agricultural industries can contribute to sustainable entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 1,200 agricultural science education stakeholders, of which 300 respondents, comprising agricultural educators and industry stakeholders, were selected. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire based on the objectives of the study. The instrument was subjected to expert validation, and its reliability was established before use. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while the independent-samples t-test was employed to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that agricultural science education provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed for sustainable entrepreneurial development to a high extent. Innovation was also found to contribute greatly to the development of sustainable agricultural enterprises. In the same way, collaboration between agricultural science education institutions and agricultural industries was found to support entrepreneurial development to a high extent. The study therefore concludes that bringing education, innovation and industry closer together can improve learners’ entrepreneurial competencies and prepare them for successful participation in agricultural enterprise development. It is recommended that agricultural institutions strengthen practical training, give greater attention to innovation and entrepreneurship education, establish stronger partnerships with agricultural industries, provide adequate learning resources and improve support for graduates through mentorship, training and accessible financial opportunities. Keywords: Agricultural Science Education, Innovation, Industry Linkages, Entrepreneurship Development, Sustainable Agriculture, Nigeria