Entrepreneurial Opportunity Identification and Entrepreneurial Success of Students’ Owned Businesses in Awka

Abstract

This study examined the effect of entrepreneurial opportunity identification on the entrepreneurial success of student-owned businesses in Awka. A descriptive survey research design was. The study population consisted of undergraduate students operating businesses in Awka, from which a purposive sample of 220 respondents was selected. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and hypotheses were tested using linear regression analysis. The finding revealed that entrepreneurial opportunity identification has a positive and significant effect on the success of student-owned businesses (β = 0.859, p = 0.000). It was concluded that the ability to identify and exploit business opportunities plays a critical role in enhancing the performance and sustainability of student ventures in Awka. By way of recommendation, educational institutions should integrate practical opportunity identification training into entrepreneurship programs to equip students with the necessary skills. Student entrepreneurship clubs and incubation centers should provide workshops and mentorship that help students develop market observation, competitor analysis, and customer trend monitoring skills to enhance their ventures’ success potential.