The aim of this study was to adapt the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) for Nigerian
samples. Employees from two occupational groups in Nigeria completed the survey (total N
= 268). Exploratory factor analysis using the principal component factor analyses confirmed
the original three-factor model. Internal consistency of the full version of the scale was
sufficiently high (α = .85) and .89 for the shortened version. The test–retest reliability with an
interval of three months was .77 for the full scale whereas it is .81 for the shortened version.
A further test of significance utilizing analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistic showed that of
the three variables tested: age, gender and occupational groups, only gender showed a
significant difference in response to work engagement scale. These results, in general,
suggest that the UWES is valid and reliable (internally consistent); the factor validity studies
showed that the scores are best represented by the three factors and therefore is an adequate
measure of work engagement in Nigeria.