Entrepreneurship Education, Knowledge Acquisition, and Cooperative Societies as Drivers of New Venture Creation among College of Education Students in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the role of entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition and cooperative societies in promoting new venture creation. Specifically, it investigated the effect of entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition on new venture creation and the mediating role of cooperative societies. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 170 respondents using a structured questionnaire based on a four-point Likert scale. Entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition was measured through qualified personnel and skill development, while cooperative societies were assessed using initial capital and market access. New venture creation was measured using opportunity seeking and business initiation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition has a positive and significant effect on both cooperative societies and new venture creation. Cooperative societies also significantly promote new venture creation by providing financial support and facilitating market access. Furthermore, both variables jointly explain a substantial proportion of the variation in new venture creation. The study concludes that entrepreneurship knowledge acquisition is essential for stimulating entrepreneurial activities, while cooperative societies enhance the transformation of knowledge into viable ventures.