EVALUATION OF THE CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF AI APPLICATION INTO NIGERIA COLLEGES OF EDUCATION VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Abstract

This study evaluated the prospects and challenges of AI application in Nigerian Colleges of Education Vocational Education Programme . The research was guided by four research questions and adopted a descriptive survey design. The population comprised all academic staff from Colleges of Education across Nigeria. A sample size of 200 respondents were purposely selected. A structured questionnaire titled "AI Adoption in Colleges of Education Questionnaire (AACOEQ)" was used for data collection, validated by three experts in Educational Technology and Measurement & Evaluation, and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.78–0.84). Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) were employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed minimal current AI integration (mean scores: 1.76–2.43), significant challenges such as poor internet connectivity (mean = 4.32) and funding gaps (mean = 4.18), yet strong optimism about AI’s potential to enhance teaching (mean = 4.25) and research (mean = 4.12). Key strategies for improvement included government funding (mean = 4.41) and staff training (mean = 4.28). The study recommends urgent policy interventions, institutional partnerships, and curriculum reforms to accelerate AI adoption, ensuring Nigeria’s teacher education system aligns with global technological advancements.