INFLUENCE OF DIGITALIZATION ON SKILLS ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the influence of digitalization on skills acquisition of Business Education students in public Universities in South East Nigeria.  Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study is 230 business education students in the Universities under study. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study.  A 4-point scale questionnaire designed by the researchers containing 20 items was used.  Reliability coefficient of 0.87 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha statistics test.  Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions, though the standard deviation was used to ascertain the homogeneity of the responses.  The t-test statistics was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the study showed that digitalization highly influences entrepreneurial and managerial skills acquisition of Business Education students. Based on the findings, the study concludes that digitalization influences skills acquisition which compasses entrepreneurial and managerial skills of Business Education students. These are very crucial and relevant for students to acquire in this digital world.  These skills as x-rayed would enable and enhance business education student to function appropriately in the society. Based on the findings, recommendations were proffered which include among others that Business education students should develop keen interest in acquiring viable skills digitally to enable them fit into the digital world we are in now.

Keywords: Digitalization, Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurial skills, Managerial skills.