Business Education in Nigeria: A Tool for Capacity Building for National Development

Abstract

Towards the end of the 20^th century and at the wake of 21^st century, it became apparent that national development depends on educational advancement, which in turn depends on technological progress. Business Education is a vocational education that prepares beneficiaries for gainful employment and sustainable livelihood. The objectives of business education generally are borne out of the needs of industry, commerce, and society. These objectives are highlighted in the National Policy on Education (FRN, 2004), the inculcation of the right types of values and attitudes for the survival of the individual and the Nigerian society; and the acquisition of appropriate skills, abilities, both mental and physical, as requirements for the individual to live in and contribute to the development of his or her society. This paper examines the role of business education in capacity building for national development such as establishing a small scale business ventures by its graduates, provides knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes needed to perform in the business world as a producer and/or consumer of goods and services etc. Finally, some recommendations were made among which is, that government should allocate more funds to business education in tertiary institutions in Nigeria to enhance effective capacity building in our society for national development, teacher-student ratio of 1:30 should be maintained for quality delivery of courses and the need to shun corruption in our society by both the leaders and the led.