Longitudinal Predictors of Career Adaptability Among Graduates of Federal Universities in the North West Geopolitical Zone

Career adaptability has emerged as a critical construct in contemporary career development theory, reflecting an individual's readiness to cope with current and anticipated changes in work and career. This study investigated longitudinal predictors of career adaptability among graduates of federal universities in North West Nigeria. A longitudinal survey design was used, tracking 320 graduates from three federal universities over an eighteen-month post-graduation period. The Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) was administered at three time points, alongside measures of career self-efficacy, proactive personality, family support, and socioeconomic background. Hierarchical regression and latent growth curve modelling were used for analysis. Findings revealed that career self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of career adaptability at all measurement points. Proactive personality significantly predicted adaptability trajectory over time, while family support showed diminishing predictive power as graduates progressed in their careers. Gender moderated the adaptability trajectory, with female graduates showing initially lower but steadily improving adaptability scores. The study fills a gap in longitudinal career development research in North West Nigeria and extends application of career construction theory to the post-university transition context. Recommendations included the integration of career adaptability enhancement programmes within university career services and the design of alumni mentoring schemes linking recent graduates to established professionals. Keywords: career adaptability, graduate employment, career construction, North West Nigeria, longitudinal study.