MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES AS PROPHYLAXIS AGAINST “JA’PA” SYNDROME: EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL KNOWLEDGE ON NIGERIA OPTION IN EMERGING WORKFORCE FROM LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (LASUCOM)

Multiple intelligences against ja’pa syndrome

Abstract

Background: Heath professions entrepreneurship in Nigeria is still too low to cover the vast opportunities of diversified roles in the Nigerian Health Sector that could be areas of job satisfaction and wealth generation for migrating (“ja’pa”) young health professionals (YHPs). Each person can have multiple intelligences and can be strong or weak in particular intelligences. With respect to migration and entrepreneurial intentions, we may improve certain intelligences in emerging workforce through educational intervention.

Purpose: We investigated the effect of Intelligence on Entrepreneurship in graduating YHPs of Lagos State University College of Medicine using indicators of multiple intelligences. The aims were to evaluate the effect of Transformative Knowledge on Entrepreneurial Confidence; the effect of Entrepreneurial Knowledge on Entrepreneurial Confidence; the extent to which Transformative Knowledge affects Nigeria Option; and the extent to which Entrepreneurial Knowledge affects Nigeria Option.

Methodology: A structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to survey the group of YHPs that completed a 3-day transformative course on entrepreneurship. 

Results: Correlation of indicators of Intelligence and Entrepreneurship were positive, moderate to strong, and Pearson’s r(21) ranged from 0.54 to 0.68. Transformative Knowledge significantly contributes towards the variability in Entrepreneurial Confidence and Nigeria Option (36.27% and 29.18 % respectively, p<0.05 in both cases).  Entrepreneurial Knowledge significantly (p<0.05) contributes 46.21% and 42.68% to variability in Entrepreneurial Confidence and Nigeria Option respectively. The results reveal a link between education and “ja’pa” syndrome.  Transformative Knowledge and Entrepreneurial Knowledge gained through a specialized motivational training on entrepreneurship correlate positively and significantly with both Entrepreneurial Confidence and Nigeria Option.

Conclusion: Transformative entrepreneurial training is related to the option of emerging workforce to stay in Nigeria and may be able to curb excessive brain drain of YHPs. Personal vision and mission should be greater than push or pull factors awaiting the young health professional on graduation.