Predictors of Higher-Order Thinking Skills among Postgraduate Students of Sokoto State University, Sokoto State, Nigeria

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 higher-order 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 higher-order thinking skills more than the other independent variables. Cognitive dispositions and innovation capacity also significantly predicted higher-order thinking skills, while problem-solving 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).