Gender Disparity in The Benefit of Entrepreneurship Education and Graduate Employability in Public Tertiary Institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined gender disparity in the benefits of entrepreneurship education and graduate employability in public tertiary institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 400 graduates (54.3% male, 45.8% female) using a descriptive survey design. An independent t-test was conducted to assess gender differences in entrepreneurship education and graduate employability. The results revealed a statistically significant gender disparity in entrepreneurship education benefits, favouring males (p = 0.000, < 0.05). However, no significant gender difference was observed in graduate employability (p = 0.111, > 0.05). The findings suggest that while males derive greater benefits from entrepreneurship education, this advantage does not directly translate into higher employability outcomes, potentially due to systemic labour market barriers. The study recommends more integrative approach to linking practical entrepreneurship education to employability enhancement and addressing external gender biases in employment policies. Limitations, including geographic focus and sample size constraints, were noted. Future studies should explore the interplay of entrepreneurship education and employability on a broader context.