STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILL ACQUISITION THROUGH THE CLOTHING AND TEXTILE CURRICULUM IN HOME ECONOMICS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluates the implementation of the Senior Secondary School Home Economics Clothing and Textile curriculum for entrepreneurial skill acquisition in Plateau State, Nigeria. Using an evaluation research design with 202 SS3 students and 44 teachers/administrators from the Central Senatorial Zone, the study employed questionnaires and checklists to assess skill acquisition, challenges, and strategies. Findings indicate that entrepreneurial skill acquisition is slightly above average, though hampered by insufficient funding, inadequate teaching resources, limited practical exposure, and poor infrastructure. A moderate negative correlation was found between implementation challenges and skill acquisition, though not statistically significant. The study recommends increased funding, teacher training, and industry collaboration to enhance curriculum delivery and equip students with market-relevant skills for self-employment in the textile and fashion sector.