Citizenship Education as a Catalyst for Improving Entrepreneurship Activities in Nigeria

Abstract

In the face of rising youth unemployment, social fragmentation, and economic stagnation in Nigeria, there is an urgent need to rethink how education can be used as a catalyst for national transformation. This study examines the intersection of citizenship education, entrepreneurship, and innovation as a strategic framework for fostering youth empowerment and sustainable development in Nigeria. It critically examines how citizenship education, traditionally focused on civic responsibility and national identity, can be leveraged to instil values such as ethical leadership, social accountability, and critical thinking, traits essential for entrepreneurial success. The research highlights the shifting role of entrepreneurship from purely private-sector ventures to include public entrepreneurship driven by civic consciousness. It also identifies key challenges, including weak curriculum integration, lack of trained educators, and poor infrastructure. The study concludes that integrating civic values into entrepreneurship education can produce a generation of socially responsible innovators capable of addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to enhance curriculum design, improve governance, and promote inclusive development through education.