ABSTRACT
The study assessed the perceived role of industrial education on skill acquisition among its students in the University of Benin, Benin City. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. Also, a null hypothesis was formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance.
The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was a total number of three hundred and twenty one (321) students. The sample size for this study was made up of ninety seven (97), which were drawn from the population using the proportional sampling technique.. The data retrieved from respondents were analyzed by the use of tables displaying the mean and standard deviation of results gotten. Thereafter, a critical mean value was set; mean value >=2.5 of items on the tables were accepted, while mean value <2.5 of an item on the tables were rejected.
From the findings of the study, it was discovered that business education has helped to develop the right entrepreneurship skills among students. It was also found that business education has helped to develop career competency among students that they can carry out some certain functions in their chosen vocations independently with or without supervision. It was also discovered that to a high extent, business education has helped to develop the right teaching skills amongst students through the various business courses integrated with education. Lastly, it was discovered from the findings that students have been developed technically and embedded with skills to function effectively in their various career and vocational paths chosen. Therefore, the findings of this study, it was recommended that the government should create a job window to absorb graduates of business education, not only for teaching in schools, but also to further in other parts of the economy. Also, it was recommended that the government should support business education graduates by providing them with loans and grants to start up their businesses for those who follow the entrepreneurship line of business. Lastly, it was recommended that business education graduates should seek to acquire more skills and knowledge by taking professional courses and going further to upgrade their knowledge by enrolling for a Master’s programme.
