ENTREPRENEURSHIP CREATIVITY AND EMPLOYMENT GENERATION AMONG GRADUATES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN BAYELSA STATE.

Abstract

This study investigates entrepreneurial creativity and employment generation among graduates of tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. The aim was to explore how dimensions of entrepreneurial creativity namely innovative thinking, risk-taking, opportunity recognition, and resourcefulness affect job creation and career outcomes among graduates. Employing a descriptive survey design,
data were collected from a sample of 400 graduates using a structured questionnaire. The study analyzed responses using mean scores and standard deviations to assess the impact of each dimension on employment outcomes and ANOVA to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that innovative thinking significantly contributes to job creation, as graduates who engage in creative problem-solving are more likely to start new businesses and improve their employability.
Risk-taking was found to positively influence career satisfaction, with graduates who embrace career-related risks experiencing higher levels of job fulfillment. Opportunity recognition was crucial for enhancing job security, as graduates who excel in identifying job opportunities are better positioned to secure stable employment. Furthermore, entrepreneurial resourcefulness positively impacts career outcomes, contributing to job satisfaction and career advancement.
Based on these findings, the study recommends that tertiary institutions enhance innovative thinking within their curricula by incorporating practical innovation challenges and workshops