Vol. 14(1), pp. 12-23. , 2026.

ISSN: 2384-6151

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijebm2026015

 

 

Full Length Research

 

Effect of Apprenticeship on the Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMES) In Nasarawa State.

 

*1Odonye Osekweyi Yakubu, 2Esther Bagobiri, 3Dannap Edmund Nanzing and 4Amos Anyesha Audu

 

1,2&3Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Administration, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Administration, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State Eddydannap2011@gmail.com 4Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Administration, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State E-mail: anyeshaamos@yahoo.com  

*Corresponding author’s E-mail: odoyaks@gmail.com  

 

 

Accepted 16 March 2026

Abstract

 

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are widely acknowledged as critical drivers of economic growth, innovation, and employment generation, yet their performance in Nigeria continues to face persistent challenges. This study examined the effect of apprenticeship on SME performance in Nasarawa State, with particular focus on the dimensions of commitment, competence, and mentorship. The research adopted a survey design, drawing a sample of 425 SMEs from a population of 10,728 formally registered enterprises, determined through Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression techniques with the aid of SPSS version 28. Findings revealed that apprenticeship significantly influenced SME performance, with competence exerting the strongest effect, followed by commitment and mentorship. Collectively, these dimensions explained 98.2% of the variance in SME performance, underscoring the centrality of skill acquisition, behavioural discipline, and knowledge transfer in shaping productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Theoretically, the results validate the Human Capital Theory, Resource-Based View, and Social Learning Theory, affirming apprenticeship as both a human capital investment and a strategic resource. The study recommends that SME operators and policymakers institutionalise structured apprenticeship programmes that emphasise competence building, mentorship, and behavioural commitment in order to enhance innovation, resilience, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s SME sector.

 

Keywords: Apprenticeship, Commitment, Competence, Mentorship, SME Performance, Nasarawa State

 

Cite This Article As: Yakubu, OO., Bagobiri, E., Nanzing, DE., Audu, AA (2026). Effect of Apprenticeship on the Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMES) In Nasarawa State. Inter. J. Econ. Bus. Manage. Vol. 14(1), pp. 12-23.