Family Involvement and Entrepreneurial Intentions of University of Benin Students in Nigeria.
Edevbaro Caroline Uyoyo
Department of Entrepreneurship, University of Benin, Benin City, NigeriaSunday Emmanuel Tobi
Department of Entrepreneurship, University of Benin, Benin City, NigeriaKeywords: Family Involvement, Entrepreneurial Intentions, Youths/Students, Entrepreneurship, University of Benin
Abstract
Abstract The study examined the effect of family involvement, specific family support, and external mentorship on the entrepreneurial intentions of students at the University of Benin, Nigeria. Using a quantitative approach, the study tested four hypotheses relating to family involvement, specific support, entrepreneurial family members, and external mentorship. The findings revealed that general family involvement significantly affect students' entrepreneurial intentions. However, specific family support, such as financial assistance, guidance, mentorship and encouragement, has a direct positive impact. Additionally, students with entrepreneurial family members are more likely to pursue entrepreneurship, aligning with Bandura's Social Learning Theory. Furthermore, the crucial role of external mentorship from teachers and professionals, significantly boosts entrepreneurial intentions. These results suggest that targeted support from families and structured mentorship programs within educational institutions are key drivers of entrepreneurship among university students. Hence, the study recommended that fostering entrepreneurship through enhanced specific family involvement (internal) and mentorship initiatives (external) are essentials in Nigeria.
