Impact of digital competence and risk perception on digital entrepreneurial intention among university undergraduate students in north eastern Nigeria: Mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy

Abstract

This study investigates how digital competence and risk perception influence digital entrepreneurial intention among university students in North-Eastern Nigeria. The study is grounded under the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study surveyed 357 students across six universities, utilizing PLS-SEM for analysis. Findings indicate that while digital competence and risk perception significantly impact intention, their effects are primarily realized through the mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The model of the study explains 59% of the variance in digital entrepreneurial intention. Therefore, the study concludes that fostering
students' confidence is as vital as technical training, recommending practical curricula to bolster self-efficacy for regional economic growth.