Predictors of Higher-Order Thinking Skills among Postgraduate Students of Sokoto State University, Sokoto State, Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2026
Authors
Ahmad Tijani Surajudeen and A.H. Folorunsho
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Rima International Journal of Education (RIJE)
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the prediction of higher-order thinking (HOTS) skills among
postgraduate students at Sokoto State University, Nigeria, based on cognitive dispositions,
innovation capacity, research competencies, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The
current study is underpinned by Bloom’s Taxonomy and the constructivist learning theory,
which emphasize the significance of cognitive and analytical skills in promoting higher-order
thinking. A quantitative research design was employed to investigate the prediction of higherorder thinking skills, and structured questionnaires were used to obtain data from 250
randomly selected postgraduate students from various faculties across the university. Multiple
regression and correlation analysis were employed to analyze the collected data. The findings
revealed that all the independent variables significantly and positively predicted higher-order
thinking skills, and critical thinking and research competencies significantly predicted higherorder thinking skills more than the other independent variables. Cognitive dispositions and
innovation capacity also significantly predicted higher-order thinking skills, while problemsolving skills served as a mediating factor in predicting higher-order cognitive performance
based on critical thinking skills. The findings of the current study emphasize the need to
integrate higher-order research skills, innovation, and problem-solving skills in promoting
higher-order thinking skills among postgraduate students. The findings suggest that
promoting higher-order thinking skills is crucial in equipping Nigerian graduates with
intellectual and cognitive capacities to contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria, specifically in quality education (SDG 4), innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and sustainable institutions (SDG 16).
Description
Keywords
Citation
Vol. 5, Issue 2, March. 2026;