Authors : Ekaette, Glory Edem; Ugonna Obi-Emeruwa; Ayasal Anthony Auya; Biodun Bukky Ogundipe

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/66rwfh9u

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4vy4use3

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1589

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : The metaverse is emerging as a novel digital frontier with significant global implications for entrepreneurship, innovation, and higher education. However, empirical evidence on its entrepreneurial potential within universities in developing countries remains limited. This study investigates Nigerian universities’ metaverse-enabled digital entrepreneurship, focusing on institutional readiness, entrepreneurial opportunities, and policy implications. The study uses a mixed-methods research methodology that is informed by the Triple Helix framework, integrating survey data from students and academic staff across selected Nigerian universities with qualitative insights from interviews that are semistructured. Regression, correlation, and descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while theme analysis was used to evaluate qualitative data analysis. The result showed that although students demonstrate high levels of digital readiness and entrepreneurial interest, institutional preparedness for metaverse adoption remains moderate, constrained by infrastructural deficits, limited policy awareness, and weak industry linkages. Significant positive relationships were observed between policy awareness, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurial intentions within metaverse-enabled environments. The study further identifies emerging entrepreneurial opportunities in virtual education services, digital content creation, and immersive business models, alongside persistent challenges related to regulatory uncertainty and funding constraints. This research advances digital entrepreneurship. literature by offering context-specific evidence from Nigerian universities and highlights the need for coordinated policy frameworks, institutional reforms, and university– industry collaboration to harness metaverse-driven entrepreneurial growth.

Keywords : Metaverse, Digital Entrepreneurship, Higher Education Institutions, Innovation Policy, Nigeria.

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