Sociodemographic Characteristics, General Self-Efficacy, and Risk-Taking Propensity as Predictors of Entrepreneurial Intention Among Undergraduates in Selected Tertiary Institutions in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Entrepreneurial intention is a key factor in addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic innovation in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial intention among tertiary institution students in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study used a cross-sectional survey design, involving 395 students recruited through convenience sampling from four selected universities and polytechnics. Participants were assessed with the Entrepreneurial Intention Questionnaire (EIQ), Choice Dilemma Questionnaire (CDQ), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product–moment correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results showed that self-efficacy was positively associated with entrepreneurial intention (r = .436, p < .001), whereas risk-taking propensity (RTP) was negatively associated with entrepreneurial intention (r = −.416, p < .001). Sociodemographic characteristics (age category, sex, and type of institution) explained 14.8% of the variance in entrepreneurial intention (R² = .148, F(3, 391) = 22.63, p < .001). Adding self-efficacy and RTP significantly increased the explained variance by 23.9 percentage points (ΔR² = .239, ΔF(2, 389) = 75.68, p < .001), with the full model accounting for 38.7% of the variance (R² = .387). Self-efficacy (β = .387), RTP (β = −.321), sex (β = −.155), and institution type (β = .152) significantly predicted entrepreneurial intention. Male and polytechnic students reported higher entrepreneurial intention scores than their respective comparison groups. The findings highlight the relevance of psychological and sociodemographic factors to entrepreneurial intention and suggest that entrepreneurship education could consider self-efficacy development and risk-related decision-making skills.