DELSU JOURNAL OF NATURE, SOCIO-HUMANISTIC AND SCIENTIFIC VALUES

The development of an entrepreneurial mindset among Nigerian undergraduates has become increasingly critical in the face of escalating youth unemployment, limited formal job opportunities, and economic instability. This paper explores the multifaceted challenges and emerging opportunities in embedding entrepreneurial thinking within Nigerian higher education. Drawing on empirical studies conducted, the paper highlights persistent barriers such as outdated curricula, inadequate practical exposure, limited access to incubation infrastructure, and insufficient emotional intelligence training. However, it also identifies promising reforms, including experiential learning models, digital innovation hubs, mentorship programmes, and gender-sensitive entrepreneurial education. Findings underscore the importance of combining cognitive, emotional, and environmental interventions to foster innovation, risk-taking, and self-efficacy among students. The study advocates for a systemic overhaul of educational policies to bridge the gap between theoretical entrepreneurship instruction and real-world entrepreneurial engagement. By aligning education with national development goals, universities can better equip graduates to become job creators and proactive economic contributors.

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