The Role of Financial Accounting in Bridging the Skills Gap for Graduate Employability in Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine The Role of Financial Accounting in Bridging the Skills Gap for Graduate Employability in Nigeria. Three research questions in line with the specific purposes and one hypothesis guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study is 62 which consisted of Oyemike Associates Awka, Udeagha & Co Onitsha, Chijioke & Associates Nnewi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, and Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Uli No sample was drawn because of the manageable population. A questionnaire of twenty-one (21) items was developed from literature and used for data collection. The mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the research questions while t-test was used to test the hypothesis. The study found out that the respondents agreed with the 21 items stated in the questionnaire based on the specific objectives. It was concluded that educational institutions should equip graduates with the skills and competencies required to succeed in the financial sector by coordinating curriculum contents with industry demands, offering opportunities for hands-on training, encouraging industry stakeholder’s collaboration with academia, and encouraging the acquisition of professional certifications. Thus, recommended amongst others that educational institutions should form alliances with enterprises, financial institutions, and accounting firms to support co-ops, apprenticeships, and internships that give students practical experience in real-world financial environments.