The Role of Information Literacy in Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship in Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study examined the role of information literacy in promoting youth entrepreneurship in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study was guided by four objectives, which focused on identifying the information literacy skills possessed by youths, determining their major sources of business information, examining the contribution of information literacy to youth entrepreneurship, and identifying the challenges encountered in accessing, evaluating, and using information for entrepreneurial activities. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 150 youths engaged in or intending to engage in entrepreneurial activities in Adamawa State. Census sampling was used, and a structured questionnaire was employed for data collection. Out of the 150 questionnaires administered, 142 were properly completed and returned, representing a response rate of 94.67%. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that the respondents generally possessed relevant information literacy skills, with a grand mean of 2.99. The major sources of business information were social media platforms, Internet/search engines, friends and family, business associations, and suppliers. Information literacy was found to contribute positively to youth entrepreneurship, with a grand mean of 3.12, particularly in business decision-making, identifying opportunities, understanding customer needs and market trends, and promoting business growth. However, the respondents encountered challenges such as high cost of Internet data, poor Internet connectivity, inadequate ICT facilities, misinformation, and limited awareness of government business programmes. The study concluded that information literacy plays an important role in promoting youth entrepreneurship. It recommended strengthened information literacy training, improved Internet and ICT infrastructure, enhanced library-based business information services, and better dissemination of government entrepreneurship information to youths.