Covenant Journal of Entrepreneurship

Relational Social Capital, Cognitive Social Capital, Structural Social Capital, and Entrepreneurial Success: A Conceptual and Empirical Review

Oyedele Matthew OYEKU — 2025-08-23

Social capital has been used by many researchers to explain economic issues. Until the early 1980s, research on social capital was not as popular. Today, social capital has become a topical issue that is attracting great research interest, especially amongst entrepreneurship researchers, to explain social and economic outcomes. Entrepreneurship researchers have found different dimensions of social capital useful to access finance (relational social capital), information (cognitive social capital), and market (structural social capital). This paper provides a comprehensive review of the above three dimensions of social capital for a thorough understanding of the concepts and to identify specific aspects of each of the three dimensions that could be applied in entrepreneurial success studies. Also, a comprehensive empirical review of each of the three dimensions and their effects or relationships with four dimensions of entrepreneurial success, namely profitability, sales growth, customer satisfaction, and competitiveness, is reported to provide background information, especially to researchers in this line of research interest. It is recommended that more researchers should focus their research on social capital and how social capital and its dimensions could be developed and harnessed to enhance entrepreneurial success.

Green Financing and Its Impact on Entrepreneurship in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector

Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi — 2025-08-23

This study investigates the relationship between green financing and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria, using Techno Oil Limited as a case study. Guided by a positivist research philosophy and a deductive approach, the study employed a descriptive research design and a mono-method strategy, relying on structured questionnaires to collect quantitative data. A total of 107 respondents were purposively selected from the Finance, Sustainability, and Corporate Strategy departments. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, applying descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Results revealed significant challenges to green financing, such as high collateral requirements (77.6% agreement), lack of awareness (92.5%), and policy uncertainty (40.1% agreement). Likewise, entrepreneurship development is constrained by limited access to capital (89.8%), high interest rates (96.2%), and economic instability (96.3%). The correlation analysis showed a statistically significant moderate positive relationship between green financing and entrepreneurship development (r = 0.475, p < 0.01), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The findings underscore the need for policy reforms, awareness campaigns, and flexible financing mechanisms to enhance entrepreneurial growth through green finance in Nigeria

Accelerating Technical College-Community Collaboration for Achieving Sustainable Entrepreneurship Development in Appliance Maintenance and Repairs

Ukelabuchi Iloma — 2025-08-23

The study was on accelerating technical college-community collaboration for achieving sustainable entrepreneurship development in Appliance Maintenance and Repairs. The study was carried out in Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population consisted of all electrical and electronic teachers and students in the five Rivers State-owned technical colleges. Purposive random sampling was used to draw 30 teachers and 80 students from three (3) Technical Colleges in Rivers State. A total of 110 respondents were therefore purposively selected for the study. A structured questionnaire consisting of 15 items on a 4-point scale of Strongly Agree (4), Agree (3), Disagree (2), and Strongly Disagree (1) was used to elicit information from respondents. The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach's Alpha reliability was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instrument, which yielded 0.76, indicating that the instrument was reliable for the study. The instrument was administered to the respondents by the researcher and retrieved on the spot after completion. Mean statistic was used to answer the research questions. Items with a mean value of 2.50 and above were regarded as Agree (A), while items with a mean value below 2.50 were regarded as Disagree (D). The result showed, among others, that accelerating collaboration in skill acquisition enhances the achievement of entrepreneurship development in Appliance Maintenance and Repairs. Among the recommendations was that the community should provide opportunities for skill acquisition, scholarship, and mentorship to technical colleges.

Marketing Communication and Survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria

Samuel Akgbohaode OKENYI — 2025-08-23

Marketing communication is seen as a vital activity for the survival and success of SMEs. This study examines the impact of marketing communications on the survival of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Auchi, Edo State. The study employed a qualitative research design, using a convenience sampling strategy and semi-structured interviews to select and collect data from 40 SMEs in the area. The results show that marketing communications is a catalyst for the survival of SMEs in Auchi. Specifically, the study found that SMEs that use social media strategies survive and thrive in the competitive business environment. Based on the findings, the study recommends, among others, that SMEs in Auchi should prioritise marketing communications in their business strategies to ensure survival and growth. Studies show that there are many similarities regarding the challenges faced by SMEs globally, and as such, the recommendations of this study can be applied universally.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Noel Donald AHMADU — 2025-08-23

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is globally recognised as a strategic tool for economic revitalisation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. This study explores the role of TVET in advancing sustainable development in Nigeria, drawing from secondary data including institutional reports, policy documents, and international literature. The findings reveal that TVET, when effectively structured and adequately supported, can significantly address Nigeria's economic, social, and environmental challenges. However, systemic issues such as funding gaps, institutional fragmentation, and societal stigma continue to undermine its impact. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at repositioning TVET as a key driver of sustainable development in Nigeria.

Gender and Its Impact on Knowledge Management and Employee Engagement in Banking

Omowumi Obembe — 2025-08-23

This study explored the impact of gender on knowledge management practices and employee engagement in selected commercial banks in Akoka, Shomolu LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected from 200 conveniently sampled employees across ten commercial banks using a structured questionnaire. The instrument incorporated the Knowledge Management Assessment Instrument (KMAI) by Lawson (2003) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) by Schaufeli et al. (2006), both with established reliability. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, employing descriptive statistics and Independent Samples t-tests to assess gender-based differences. Results revealed no significant gender differences in most aspects of KM, except for the storing knowledge dimension, where male employees scored significantly higher. In contrast, all three dimensions of employee engagement (vigour, dedication, and absorption) showed statistically significant gender differences, with male employees reporting higher engagement levels than their female counterparts. These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive strategies to boost female engagement while maintaining inclusive knowledge-sharing practices across the sector.

Total Quality Management and Organisational Resilience: A Conceptual Focus on the Nigerian Food and Beverage Sector

Daniel E UFUA — 2025-08-25

This study explored the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) on organisational resilience. The study took on a conceptual approach, relying on the trend of findings and ideas from extant literature to understand the current practices of TQM in the Nigerian food and beverage sector. The study developed a suggested model for further improvement of current practices of TQM implementation in the Nigerian food and beverage sector. This had factors including the emphasis on collaboration for the creative development of TQM approaches that meet the stakeholders’ expectations. Others included the need for adequate legal system support to business relationships and obligations with partners, and the relevance of human resource management development to address the fickle nature of stakeholders' expectations. This was coupled with the need for operational process evaluation to re-examine an operational process's potency to identify improvement areas and further development of their operations. The study concluded that the TQM organisation and its stakeholders to embrace the connectivity required for effective creativity and innovation needed to support the implementation of TQM. This has the potential to facilitate the hedge and create respite to address identified challenges to the implementation of TQM in the Nigerian food and beverage sector. Part of the recommendation was to adopt an empirical approach to explore the topic further and develop new findings to contribute to TQM development in the Nigerian context.

Assessing the Impact of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Practices on Nigeria’s Economic Growth and National Development

Ibrahim Musa — 2025-11-11

This study assesses the impact of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Practices on Nigeria’s Economic Growth and National Development, as they play a vital role in achieving sustainable growth and development in Nigeria. The study uses ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation. Findings from this study show that LNGDP (-1) has a positive relationship and is highly statistically significant. A 1% increase in lagged GDP increases current GDP by 0.91%. Has a p-value = 0.0000 < 0.0, which is highly statistically significant at a 1% level. On the other hand, LNENT has a negative relationship and a marginally significant effect. A 1% increase in ENT decreases current GDP by 2.56% the p-value = 0.0833 > 0.05, it is marginally statistically significant at a 10% level. Furthermore, LNCIT has a negative relationship and a marginally significant effect. A 1% increase in CIT decreases current GDP by 0.24%. P-value = 0.0978 > 0.05, it is marginally statistically significant at a 10% level. Therefore, the study recommends that the Government should promote Regional Economic Balance; given the significant regional disparities in GDP growth, sustainable entrepreneurship, and investment, targeted regional development policies should be introduced. These policies should focus on supporting underperforming areas with tailored entrepreneurship programs, infrastructure improvements, and capacity-building initiatives. The government should enhance Policy and Institutional Support for Sustainable Entrepreneurship; the government should establish coherent and long-term policies that promote sustainable business practices. This includes integrating sustainability into national entrepreneurship strategies, offering tax incentives or grants for eco-friendly enterprises, and creating regulatory frameworks that encourage responsible business conduct. The study contributes to the growth of both sustainable growth and development.

Entrepreneurship Education: Effective Ict Skills for Music Educators in Nigerian Higher Institutions

D. O. A. Ogunrinade — 2025-11-11

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into music education is exceedingly imperative for preparing music students for entrepreneurial success in the digital age. This study examines the ICT skills required for music educators in the selected Nigerian tertiary institution of higher learning to effectively deliver music entrepreneurship education. A descriptive research design was employed; information from the respondents was collected through the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Mean scores and standard deviation were used for analysis, with the study sampled of one hundred and twenty respondents. The findings reveal that essential ICT skills required for entrepreneurial success include digital literacy, proficiency in music technology, utilization of e-learning platforms, social media marketing, and familiarity with business and financial software. These skills will enable music educators to create dynamic, interactive, and practical learning experiences, equipping students with the tools needed for music production, marketing, and business management.

Industry Voices: Identifying Critical Employability Factors Through Employer Assessment of Undergraduate Interns

Ahmed Musa ABUBAKAR — 2025-11-11

Graduate employability is a key concern in higher education, with gaps between employer expectations and graduate readiness. Industrial internships bridge academic learning and professional practice, yet employer feedback on undergraduate performance is understudied. This study analyzes industry perspectives on employability factors to inform curriculum development and enhance graduate workforce preparation. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 147 employers from technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and professional services who supervised interns in the past year, followed by semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and factor analysis; qualitative data underwent thematic coding. Communication skills ranked highest (M=4.73, 94.6% deemed critical), followed by reliability/professionalism (M=4.68) and problem-solving (M=4.61). Factor analysis identified three dimensions: Interpersonal & Professional Competencies (32.1% variance), Cognitive & Adaptive Capabilities (19.6%), and Technical & Operational Skills (16.7%). Technical skills ranked ninth. Industry variations showed technology valuing problem-solving, healthcare prioritizing reliability, and professional services emphasizing communication. Qualitative themes highlighted a preference for soft skills, with employers valuing "attitude over aptitude." Higher education should embed communication, professionalism, and collaboration in curricula, redesign courses for real-world application, and develop internship programs emphasizing professional behaviour to improve employability.

Role of Digital Psychology on Purchase Decision of Jumia Customers in Ilaro, Ogun State

Yetunde O. AKINLEKE — 2025-11-11

This study explored the influence of digital psychology on the purchase decision of Jumia customers in Ilaro, Ogun State. Employing a descriptive survey research design, the study examined the effects of web design/user experience and persuasive language on online purchase decisions. Primary data was collected from 384 respondents using a structured questionnaire, determined from an infinite population using the Cronbach formula. Regression analysis, specifically a multiple regression model, was employed for data analysis using SPSS Version 27. Results revealed a strong positive relationship between Digital Psychology components and Consumer Buying Behaviour. The model summary indicates a moderately strong relationship (R = 0.717) between web design/user experience and persuasive language, web design/user experience and consumer buying behaviour, with approximately 51.5% of the variance explained. The ANOVA results confirm the significance of the regression model (F = 157.543, p < 0.001), indicating the collective influence of web design/user experience and persuasive language on Consumer Buying Behaviour. Coefficients from the regression model highlight the significant effects of web design/user experience (β= 0.535) and persuasive language (β= 0.265) on Consumer Buying Behaviour. Businesses are recommended to emphasize understanding digital psychology principles and embrace web design/user experience components and persuasive language in their online marketing content to enhance consumer engagement and drive purchasing decisions in the digital marketplace.

E-Commerce and Customers’ Satisfaction of Jumia Pickup Station, Ilaro Ogun State

Anthony O Omojaro — 2025-11-11

This study investigated the effect of e-commerce on customer satisfaction in Jumia Nigeria Ltd. in Ilaro, Ogun State. As online business has been on the rise, businesses are faced with complaints that affect customer satisfaction. Survey research design was utilized, where every Jumia customer in Ilaro was approached. A purposive sampling technique selected 150 customers for research. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression with SPSS Version 23. The findings revealed that information quality has a weak positive and statistically significant relationship with customer satisfaction (β = -0.227, p = 0.000); perceived security is strongly positive and significant (β = 0.905, p = 0.000). Delivery service also has a weak positive and statistically significant relationship with customer satisfaction (β = 0.352, p = 0.001). All the above findings reflect that e-commerce significantly influences customer satisfaction in Jumia Nigeria Ltd. Based on these findings, the study proposes that Jumia ought to continue enhancing product information quality so that it provides accurate and clear descriptions with good-quality images and open prices. This may improve customer satisfaction and reduce complaints for e-commerce platforms.

Assessing the Readiness for the Adoption of Early Entrepreneurship Education in Nigeria: Implications for Reducing Unemployment and Poverty

Nnamdi Felix UNACHUKWU — 2025-11-11

This study examined the readiness for the adoption of Early Entrepreneurship Education (EEE) in Nigeria as a strategic pathway for reducing unemployment and poverty among the youths. A quantitative survey design was employed, gathering data from 384 respondents comprising primary-school teachers, head teachers, and education administrators across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, and factor analysis to determine institutional readiness, perception levels, and the influence of socio-economic variables on adoption. Findings revealed a moderate level of readiness, with generally positive educator perception toward EEE but hindered by weak curriculum integration, inadequate teacher preparation, and limited infrastructure. Significant relationships were observed between teacher capacity, policy support, and community involvement in predicting readiness. The study recommends that the Universal Basic Education (UBE) curriculum be redesigned to include practical entrepreneurship modules from lower-basic levels; continuous professional development programs should be organized for teachers; and targeted funding mechanisms be introduced to strengthen institutional support. Collaboration among government agencies, private-sector partners, and local communities is vital for sustainability. Overall, early entrepreneurship education is presented as a sustainable framework for national development, employment generation, and poverty alleviation.

Strategies for strengthening SMEs in Nigeria through financing mechanisms for youth skills development

Olumuyiwa Abiodun — 2025-11-11

Youth skills development has been argued to correlate with increasing economic activities through the contribution of the youth towards innovative startups, creative enterprises, and productive employment. It is pivotal for a nation to have intentional plans for its youth and the development of their skills. This study explored financing mechanisms for youth skills development that can strengthen SMEs' impact in Nigeria. The study was theoretical and conceptually based on qualitative research using case study analysis of selected countries and their financing mechanism. A purposive sampling approach was used to select Malaysia, South Africa, India, and the European Union as case study nations that have executed effective and diverse financing instruments for youth development. It was found that public-private partnership initiatives are essential in funding youth skills development programmes, also the use of institutional sponsorships and community development funds as well as donations from international organisation can serve Nigeria well in financing youth skills development. These financing schemes are targeted at developing enterprise ability and employability skills in the youth. The study recommended that there should be financing initiatives that target developing youths in the area of innovation, industry and infrastructure to facilitate developing SMEs and set a pathway to addressing Sustainable Development Goal 9 in Nigeria.