Integration of Entrepreneurial Training in Library and Information Profession for National Development in a Recessed Economy

Abstract

The paper examined Integration of entrepreneurial training in library and information profession for national development in a recessed economy; Entrepreneurial training which include capacity building remains the sine qua non to unraveling the anticipated national development in Nigeria and across the globe. For Nigeria and any nation of the world to come out of recession Entrepreneurial training should not be handled with levity. Entrepreneurial training should migrate from theory to practice. Training in Entrepreneurial skills should start form primary to tertiary level of education. Integration of Entrepreneurial training into the curriculum of library and information technology profession is one of the major avenues of making the graduates of this profession to become self reliant, creative, innovative, productive, and employers of labour rather than being job seekers. A plethora of job opportunities are available for graduates of this profession which could help to mitigate the effect of recession in the country like Nigeria if they take up such job opportunities. Some of the job opportunities that are available for graduates of library and information technology include: publishing, information brokerage, selling of books, software development etcetera. If prospective graduates of this profession are gainfully employed, they would contribute their own significant quota to gross domestic product (GDP) of any nation including Nigeria thereby stimulating economic growth and national development. Recession would remain unabated in any economy including Nigeria until proper entrepreneurial training and orientation is given to the youths including those in library and information technology profession. The training should commence from primary to tertiary institution of learning. The non-formal sectors should as well be included in entrepreneurial training. Government at all levels should show strong and genuine political will to support entrepreneurial training in Nigeria if the country is to get out of the recession as a strong and vibrant economy.