Rethinking Entrepreneurship Education and Training in Cameroon

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present the limitations of entrepreneurship education in Cameroon, and propose a new direction that entrepreneurship must follow. In order to achieve the above objectives, an empirical study was undertaken with the aim of analyzing the impact that entrepreneurial courses have had on learners since its inception in Cameroon, at the beginning of the new century. The data used was collected from a survey administered to one hundred graduates, policy makers in the education system, and recruitment personnel. Additional information available in previous research and from supporting structures having theoretical data related to the subject has also been used. The study found that the entrepreneurship training has no real impact on learners regarding their entrepreneurial posture or orientation on business creation. It also found that there are no inter-disciplinary approaches in entrepreneurship training in any government interventions that make entrepreneurship education accessible to all students, either at secondary or tertiary level. Additionally, the study found that there is a lack of entrepreneurship trainers and role models. Finally, corporates and recruitment agencies are not keen to hire students with entrepreneurship as major. This study has not only explored the limitations and the nature of entrepreneurial training, but also proposed effective and efficient mechanisms aimed at positively impacting students' ability to create business and new ventures. An appropriate scheme in terms of cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit around training of students and concentrating efforts on supporting the growth of new ventures launched by students is suggested. The study further suggests development of entrepreneurship courses with an aim to improve students' business acumen and creativity to express themselves to deliver new perspectives and insights in today's most pressing business environment.