Emmanuel ENESI Ozigi

In the multifaceted landscape of entrepreneurship, this research delves into the intricate relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial intention, focusing specifically on the final-year female undergraduates in Nigerian federal universities. Grounded in the Human Capital Theory (HCT), this study uncovers profound insights into the multifaceted relationships between various entrepreneurial traits and their influence on entrepreneurial intentions. The findings reveal a nuanced relationship between traits such as autonomy, competitive aggressiveness, risk-taking, self-esteem, and the sense of inclusion with entrepreneurial intentions. Autonomy and competitive aggressiveness emerge as significant influencers, while risk-taking displays a non-significant association. Self-esteem holds profound implications, while the sense of inclusion exerts a more subdued impact on entrepreneurial intentions. Theoretical implications challenge and expand existing frameworks, notably HCT. While HCT posits that investments in education and training foster entrepreneurial traits, this study suggests a more intricate relationship. The non-significant association of certain traits, despite their emphasis in HCT, underscores the need for a nuanced understanding, possibly integrating other theoretical frameworks. From a practical standpoint, these findings guide policymakers and educators in designing targeted interventions. Specialized training programs, workshops, and courses emphasizing autonomy, competitive aggressiveness, and self-esteem can be developed. Integrating competitive elements, like business plan competitions, can nurture students' competitive drive. Policy recommendations include tailored entrepreneurial education, fostering inclusive environments, promoting a risk-taking culture, supporting longitudinal studies, and enhancing collaboration between educational institutions and industry.