ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AS A STRATEGY FOR TRUANCY REDUCTION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN CROSS RIVER STATE EDUCATIONAL ZONE, NIGERIA

This study examined entrepreneurship education as a strategy for reducing truancy among secondary school students in the Cross River State Educational Zone. Specifically, it investigated the effects of vocational skill acquisition, entrepreneurial mentorship, and practical entrepreneurship training on truancy reduction. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised 1,240 students from public secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. A sample of 302 respondents was selected using the Taro Yamane formula and simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and ordered logit and probit regression models. The findings revealed that vocational skill acquisition, entrepreneurial mentorship, and practical entrepreneurship training each had a significant positive effect on truancy reduction among secondary school students. The study concluded that entrepreneurship education enhances students' interest in schooling, promotes regular school attendance, and reduces truancy behaviour. It therefore recommended that government and school administrators strengthen entrepreneurship education through adequate funding, improved facilities, and expanded opportunities for practical learning. Keywords: Entrepreneurship Education, Truancy Reduction, Vocational Skill Acquisition, Entrepreneurial Mentorship, Practical Entrepreneurship Training.