INNOVATION SKILLS AND ITS UTILIZATION AMONG HOME ECONOMICS EDUCATION GRADUATES OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA, NIGERIA
Abstract:With the increase in
the number of graduates searching for work in the labour market, the need for
innovation and training in universities and colleges is increasing rapidly.
This study examined innovation skills and its utilization among home economics education
graduates of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria Nigeria, where the relationship
between innovation skills and its utilization was investigated. The study
employed descriptive correlation and cross sectional design. Quantitative
approach was also used. Using a purposive and random sampling, 300 staffs of
Ahmadu Bello University, local government Administrators, and Home economics
graduates from Ahmadu Bello University participated in the study. The data were
analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Regression
was used to test the effects of all the variables, while Pearson’s linear
correlation analyses were used to test the relationship at 0.01 levels of
significances. The findings showed that correlation between innovation skills
and utilization among the home economics graduates was positive at 0.000 <
0.01 level of significant. Innovations emerge as the major predictor of skills
utilization, and it is recommended that university administrators and policy
makers should re-evaluate the current home economics curriculum to suit the
techno-preneurialship global demand, and the home economics graduates need to
appreciate the benefits of devoting greater attention to the innovation skills
acquired and utilized it practically for socio economic development for
themselves, their families and the society at large.