INSTITUTIONAL READINESS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ADOPTION IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the readiness of Institutions for the utilization of AI in Colleges of Education in North-Central Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was used and the data were collected from 350 respondents consisting of 50 staff, from each of the seven selected academies of education. The instrument was expert validated, and its reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha, where the coefficient proved internal consistency. Technological infrastructure in college is found to be very poor, especially in terms of internet connectivity, digital laboratories, AI compatible hardware and electricity supply. Staff readiness with regard to AI knowledge, digital literacy and competency in the use of AI based instructional tools was identified as being low, but there was a high level of interest in participating in professional development to learn about AI. Moreover, the institutional policy support for AI adoption was determined to be insufficient based on a lack of formal policy frameworks, funding, and lack of integration of AI competencies and literacy in the curriculum. The study also revealed key barriers to AI adoption such as lack of infrastructure, lack of funds, lack of staff skills, resistance to change, and lack of institutional policy support. The study concluded that the Colleges of Education in North-Central Nigeria are still not that well prepared to integrate the AI. It recommended investment in digital infrastructure, regular staff training and development of AI related institutional policies, more funding, and reforming the curriculum to improve AI literacy and institutional readiness.