Gender factor and entrepreneurial orientation among the final year students of tertiary institutions in Ondo Metropolis

Abstract

Gender factors in entrepreneurial orientation encompass various dimensions, including societal, economic, and cultural aspects. The study explores the relationship between gender factors and entrepreneurial orientation among the final-year student of tertiary institutions in Ondo metropolis. A survey research design was used. The study population comprises of 3,880 final-year students offers entrepreneurship course from the tertiary institutions in Ondo metropolis. A sample of 357 students was randomly selected using simple random sampling techniques. The study exploited a structured and validated questionnaire and achieves a return rate of 291(81.51%). The Cronbach alpha reliability test was done and confirmed the reliability of the instrument with a coefficient of 0.863. Descriptive analysis and structural equation model (SEM) statistics were employed to test the research hypotheses. The findings revealed a significant influence of gender factors on entrepreneurial orientation among final-year students in tertiary institutions in Ondo metropolis. The structural equation model substantiates the direct effect relationship of the hypotheses, demonstrating that gender factors positively and significantly influence entrepreneurial orientation (β1 = 0.260; β = 0.080; β = 0.287 at p < 0.05). The study therefore recommends that effective entrepreneurship education programs should be design for final year students. Also, final-year students of tertiary institutions need to acquire the desired entrepreneurial skills. Thus, the government and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide support through entrepreneurial training, financial inclusion, and mentorship programmes to bridge the gaps in entrepreneurial mindset among the students.