Entrepreneurship Education and Women's Economic Empowerment in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract : In Nigeria, the economic empowerment of women has become a critical development priority due to persistent gender disparities in income, employment opportunities, and access to productive resources. Entrepreneurship education has emerged as a practical approach to equipping women with the skills and capabilities necessary to participate in a sustainable economy. This study examines the effect of entrepreneurship education on the economic empowerment of women in Ogun State, Nigeria, with a focus on financial independence and decision-making power among female entrepreneurs. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey among 379 women entrepreneurs operating small businesses across various regions of Ogun State, and were analysed using inferential statistics. The findings revealed that entrepreneurship education significantly and positively influences the financial independence and decision-making power of women entrepreneurs in Ogun State, Nigeria. The results indicate that entrepreneurship education programs should shift beyond basic training to incorporate financial literacy, mentorship, and post-training support. To achieve optimal empowerment outcomes, government agencies and donor organisations must integrate entrepreneurship education with inclusive financial policies.