Mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the relationship between digital competence, entrepreneurship education and digital entrepreneurial intention of university students in north eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines how Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) mediates the relationship between Digital Competence, Entrepreneurship Education, and Digital Entrepreneurial Intention (DEI) among university students in North -Eastern Nigeria. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Entrepreneurial Event Model, it employs a quantitative cross sectional design and SEM analysis on data from undergraduates across the six North-East states. Results show that Digital Competence and Entrepreneurship Education alone are not sufficient; their effects on DEI are significantly strengthened when channelled through ESE. The study argues that a holistic psychological empowerment model, rather than a purely vocational approach, is needed to close the intention–behaviour gap. The study contributes theoretically by validating TPB in a digital “Global South” context, it offers practical guidance for policymakers.