IMPACT OF BUSINESS MENTORSHIP IN FOSTERING ECONOMIC GROWTH AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Many undergraduates in Nigeria, particularly in Nasarawa State, struggle to translate academic knowledge into practical entrepreneurial success due to limited exposure to realworld business guidance, mentorship, and support networks. This study examined the impact of business mentorship on fostering economic growth among undergraduates in Nasarawa State. The main goal is to evaluate the impact of mentorship programs on students' entrepreneurial skills, business expertise, and total economic contribution. The study used questionnaires to obtain data from 350 Bingham University, Karu undergraduate business administration and entrepreneurship students. A purposive random technique was used to select 350 students, 175 of whom were in a mentorship program and 175 were not. Analysis of numerical data used descriptive and inferential statistics. The reliability test yielded r = 0.85 using Cronbach Alpha. Data analysis used an Independent t-test. The findings revealed that students who participated in mentorship programs had higher levels of business acumen, entrepreneurial confidence, and a stronger desire to start and run businesses than their counterparts who did not engage in the program. Mentorship was shown to improve practical business skills, fosters new ideas, and increases access to networks and resources needed for business success. Mentored students were also more likely to create jobs and extend the market, leading to local economic growth, establishing that business mentorship boosts undergraduates’ economic growth. Thus, educational institutions and authorities should prioritise and improve business mentorship. These findings underline the need for coordinated mentorship programs tailored to young entrepreneurs. This will make then to maximise their potential and contribute to long-term economic growth.