1. J.O Alaezi & Y.D Izam Department of Building, University of Jos.

2.  Entrepreneurship remains the viable option to create jobs, reduce unemployment, poverty and youth empowerment.  Most young builders do not have a good knowledge of entrepreneurship and what it really entails.  Pursue their dreams and contribute to overall productive capacity and national economic growth and development.

3.  Absence of entrepreneur skill development among builders.  Relative ignorance of enormous business opportunities in Nigeria.  Ignorance and apathy as regards the gains of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

4.  Review of key concepts of entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.  Identification of entrepreneurship opportunities for professional builders  Evaluate the knowledge base and preferences of builders about entrepreneurship and business opportunities within the Nigerian economy  Identify major reasons for choice of business opportunities.

5.  Entrepreneurship is the process of using initiative to transform business concept to new venture, diversify existing venture or enterprise to high growing venture potentials.  Entrepreneurship is the ability to seek investment opportunities and establish an enterprise based on identified opportunities.  An entrepreneur is a person who chooses or assumes risk, identifies business opportunity, gathers resources, initiates actions and establishes an enterprise to meet demand or market opportunity.

6.  Early entrepreneurship started with trade by barter even before the advent of any form of exchange of money.  Nigeria has deep entrepreneurship culture as can be seen from early history of the peoples of Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba, Benin in the 13 th and 19 th Century.  Dying, weaving, metal working, agricultural products, weaving, woodcarving were some of the trades our fore fathers were involved in.

7.  Evaluation of chosen business feasibility and viability analysis.  Conduct a Feasibility study  Company registration with CAC  Business Plan  Engagement of right business partners  Financial Discipline and Accounting Standards  Marketing and sales strategy  Proper packaging/presentation  Set realistic and achievable goals.  Identify a mentor to guide all your business decisions.

8. Course CodeLevel of StudyCourse TitleCredit Unit BUD 101/1012100 Level Introduction to Building I/II 2 GST 223200 Level Introduction to Entrepreneurship skills 2 BUD 231200 Level Principles of Accounting for Builders 2 BUD 302300 Level Statistics for Builders 2 BUD 371300 Level Quantities and Cost Planning for Builders 2 BUD 372300 Level Estimating and Price Analysis for Builders 2 BUD 346300Level Entrepreneurship Studies 2 BUD 452400 Level Construction Economics 2 BUD 464400 Level Business Organisations and Accounts 2 BUD 491400 Level Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) 15 BUD 531500 Level Professional Practice & Ethics 2 Total 35 Credit Units

9.  To become a registered builder, you must have graduated from a polytechnic or university.  Register with the Nigerian Institute of building as an associate or graduate member.  Write and pass the necessary examinations with NIOB before proceeding to CORBON for registration.  From the table shown above 35 units (about 20%) of the 180 units of courses required to graduate from a university have entrepreneurship focus.

10.  Structured Questionnaire using 5- step scale of preference.  Personal interviews  Population of study (55 Builders in FCT, Abuja)

11. S/N BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY KNOWLEDGE BASE INTEREST SumRankSumRank 1Scaffolding165155 2Journalism2162 3Building Maintenance261251 4Equipment/Plant Leasing109 9 5 Building Materials & Component Manufacturing 147127 6Specialist Contracting184174 7Publishing3153 8 Event Management Structures 6135 9Waste Management9109 Health & Safety Specialist6135 11Glazing8117 12Consultancy193183 13 Quality Control & Quality Assurance 7117 14Real Estate Development222 2 15Interior Decoration/Fitting156146 16 Human Capital Development(Training of Artisans & Craftmen) 7127 17 Energy Studies with respect to Buildings 3152 18Deconstruction Works1171 19 Buildability/Maintenability Analysis 138128 20 Green Building Development 7136 21 Vocational Training in Carpentry 4144 22Building Information Management 4144

12.  Persistence, resilience, focus, determination and hard work are keys to becoming a successful entrepreneur.  Findings reveal that most builders are not knowledgeable about great business opportunities available to them and are interested in entrepreneurship because of profit, followed by competence, then passion and interest.  The study recommended the setting up of right business environment by Government

13.  The Nigerian Institute of Building and Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria to organize regular workshops and training on entrepreneurship opportunities available in Nigeria.  Mentoring by senior and experienced builders  Networking and relevant skills in ICT.

14.  Thank you for Listening.