DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION OF BUSINESS OWNERS IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Authors:
Asenge, Emmanuel Lubem & Agwa, Terwase Richard
Abstract:
This study examined the influence of demographic factors on entrepreneurial intention of business owners in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The study specifically examined the effect of age, gender and education on entrepreneurial intention of business owners. A survey design was adopted for the study and structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Three hypotheses were formulated with three objectives. A sample of two-hundred and twenty (220) business owners was randomly selected for the study in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State. Reliability of the instrument was carried out using Cronbach’s Alpha. Formulated hypotheses were test using multiple regression analysis at 0.05 level of significance. This was done with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 21). Results of the study showed that age significantly affect entrepreneurial intention of business owners. The study also indicated that gender has positive significant effect on entrepreneurial intention of business owners. The study further revealed that education is a significant predictor of entrepreneurial intention of business owners. The study concluded that demographic factors significantly predict entrepreneurial behaviour and the desire for starting new firms by students. The study recommends a change in the educational pedagogies in encouraging university students to increase their perceived attraction towards entrepreneurship.