HYBRID LEARNING AS A TRANSFORMATIVE PATHWAY: SUPERIOR OUTCOMES OF INTEGRATED FORMAL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING FOR NIGERIAN YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of integrating formal entrepreneurship education with practical apprenticeship training to enhance youth entrepreneurial outcomes in Nigeria, addressing systemic barriers and formalization challenges. Employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected from 595 youth entrepreneurs (aged 21-35) across six locations (Lagos, Onitsha, Rivers State, Abuja, Kano, and others) using a 49-item structured questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale. Qualitative data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with 15 purposively selected participants. Quantitative analysis utilized SPSS and AMOS for descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square, correlation, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis with NVivo. Findings indicate strong support for hybrid models (composite M=4.40), which yield superior venture viability (M=4.28 vs. 3.49 for education-only), 84.6% three-year survival rates (vs. 53.9% education-only), 27.3% annual revenue growth, and 5.1 average employees. Formalization intentions rise 88% under integrated incentive packages, with hybrid training increasing odds by 120%. The study concludes that hybrid learning bridges theory-practice gaps, fostering resilient, scalable ventures, while incentive frameworks can double formalization rates from 31.4%. Recommendations include mandating hybrid curricula with private sector partnerships, phased tax holidays and simplified registration, coordinated ecosystem support targeting demographics, and standardized metrics for program evaluation.