Perceived Soft Skills Needs of Agriculture Students in Public Universities in Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract This study examined the soft skills needs of agriculture students in public universities in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and a sample size of 249 agriculture students were  used for the study.  Frequency, percentages, mean and analysis of variance  were  used for data analysis.  Most of the respondents possessed the 14 types of soft skills that were identified, among which include ability to communicate effectively,  good sense of humor,  cope with changes,  source information online  and meet up to responsibility on time , The summary of the overall mean of the 10 types of soft skills needed by agriculture students in a descending order include; creative thinking skills,  team work skills, problem solving/ decision making skills , leadership/management skills  digital skills, communication Skills , adaptability skills,  critical thinking skills, time management skills , and interpersonal skills which has a lower mean score. Conclusively, agriculture students had a high level of need for the soft skills investigated and these soft skills,  are  essential not only for successful professional practices but also for their  personal lives. It is therefore recommended that soft skills should be incorporated into academic programs  Keywords: Soft skills needs, Agriculture students, Public universities