Digital Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Intentions Among Polytechnic Students in Osun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study employs a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to examine the relationship between digital skills acquisition and entrepreneurial intentions among final-year polytechnic students in Osun State, Nigeria, focusing on Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. A stratified sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 300 students from a target population of approximately 1,500 across seven faculties. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula at a 95% confidence level. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Key findings reveal that social media management skills (β = 0.643, p < 0.001) and participation in digital training (β = 0.179, p = 0.002) significantly predict entrepreneurial intentions, while digital marketing skills do not (p = 0.771). Disparities were noted across faculties, with ICT and Management students exhibiting the highest entrepreneurial orientation. The model explained 44.5% of the variance in entrepreneurial intentions (Adj. R² = 0.445). The study underscores the importance of faculty-specific digital skill development to enhance entrepreneurship and recommends curriculum reforms, institutional partnerships, and targeted interventions. The results support Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Strategy and align with SDGs 8 and 9.