Critical Thinking in Entrepreneurship and Youth Attitudes towards Entrepreneurial Skill Acquisition in Plateau State, Nigeria

The high rate of unemployment among the youths in Nigeria has geared towards the growing wave of crime in the society as they continue to struggle for survival with the economic hardship. The perception of the Nigerian youths toward entrepreneurial skills acquisition is that it is relegated and meant to cater for those who could not make it in school. This study therefore seeks to examine the attitude of Nigerian youths toward entrepreneurial skills acquisition and seeks to clarify the notion that entrepreneurial skills acquisition is necessary and important for all individuals across any cadre. The objective of this study was to examine influence of critical thinking among entrepreneurs on youth attitude toward entrepreneurial skills acquisition in Plateau State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this research as it has maximum reliability and reduces the possibility of biasness. The population of interest comprised of all youths in the Northern zone of Plateau State, which has six Local Governments namely: Jos East, Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, Barkin Ladi and Riyom. The population therefore comprised of 906,895 registered voters in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South and Riyom LGAs, of Plateau State. A sample was chosen from within each unit. From the population of 906,895, using Taro Yamane formula sample size. A standard questionnaire with both closed and open ended questions was administered to gather data from the sampled respondents. The findings of this research revealed that critical thinking among entrepreneurs have significant influence on youth attitude toward entrepreneurial skills acquisition. The findings further revealed that critical thinking entrepreneurs always seek and evaluate opportunities; they manage risk and learn from outcomes. Critical thinking therefore enables entrepreneurs to conceptualize, observed, analyzed and evaluate before embarking on innovation of products. It was concluded that entrepreneurs need to think critically, as doing that help them seek and evaluate opportunities. There is need for entrepreneurs to think critically of new ideas, seek opportunities and bring new products into existence or add value to existing products or services. Among the best outcomes of critical thinking for an entrepreneurial mindset is innovation.