Emotional Intelligence and Adult Education Facilitator Effectiveness in Plateau State

This study investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence and facilitator effectiveness in adult education programmes in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Emotional intelligence has been extensively linked to teaching effectiveness in formal school contexts, but its relevance to adult education facilitation in Nigerian non-formal settings remains understudied. The study employed a quantitative correlational design involving 95 adult education facilitators drawn from programme sites across three local government areas. The Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory adapted for the Nigerian context and a validated facilitator effectiveness assessment scale were administered alongside structured demographic questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis identified emotional intelligence subscales as significant predictors of facilitator effectiveness, accounting for 54 percent of variance in effectiveness ratings. Empathy, stress management, and interpersonal relationship skills were the most strongly predictive subscales. Facilitators with higher emotional intelligence scores were rated more highly by both supervisors and learners on dimensions of instructional quality, learner engagement, and classroom climate management. Years of experience moderated the emotional intelligence-effectiveness relationship, with emotional intelligence being more strongly predictive among facilitators with five or more years of adult education experience. Recommendations include incorporating emotional intelligence assessment into facilitator recruitment criteria, designing facilitator training programmes that explicitly develop emotional intelligence competencies, and establishing mentoring relationships pairing high-EI facilitators with newer staff. Longitudinal research tracking emotional intelligence development across facilitator careers is recommended. Keywords: emotional intelligence, facilitator effectiveness, adult education, Plateau State, facilitation quality.