Validation of Modified Soft Skills Assessment Instrument (MOSSAI) for Use in Nigeria

Abstract

Currently, it has become an accepted norm nearly all over the globe to teach and assess soft skills. However, in Nigeria, it is an emerging area of interest that needs to be addressed squarely. In the light of the foregoing , this study validated a modified version of Measuring and Assessment Soft Skills (MASS) (an instrument developed and used by twenty European researchers from five countries), for use in the Nigeria setting. It was administered on a randomly selected sample from the northern and southern parts of Nigeria. Survey design was used in the study. The 15-point instrument was administered on 600 participants each from the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria with a total of 1,200 participants. This instrument also included method for teaching and assessing soft skills. Factor analysis was used to analyze the data in Section B of the instrument, mean and standard deviation for Sections C and D. The results show that the soft skills needed to enhance performances in workplaces are teachable and examinable in Nigeria. It was, therefore, recommended that examining bodies should consider adopting or adapting the instrument for use in the Sub-Saharan Africa.