EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATION IN NIGERIA’S POLYTECHNIC EDUCATION SECTOR

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Nigeria’s polytechnic education sector presents a transformative yet complex shift, with significant implications for teaching, learning, and institutional development. As polytechnics are mandated to produce industry-relevant, hands-on graduates, the adoption of AI technologies ranging from intelligent tutoring systems to predictive analytics offers promising opportunities for personalized learning, administrative efficiency, and workforce alignment. However, despite global advances in AI-driven education, Nigeria’s polytechnics face considerable challenges, including inadequate digital infrastructure, limited AI literacy among educators, policy gaps, and funding constraints. This paper explores both the prospects and obstacles of AI integration, drawing on current literature and empirical findings to critically analyze the Nigerian context. The study identifies critical gaps such as curriculum rigidity, digital divides, and faculty resistance, which hinder sustainable implementation. Nevertheless, it highlights key opportunities in AI-enabled STEM training, innovation incubation, and the potential to bridge educational inequities through intelligent content delivery systems. The paper concludes that while infrastructural and socio-cultural barriers exist, strategic investments in digital capacity, policy reform, and cross-sector collaboration can position Nigeria’s polytechnic education system to fully harness the benefits of AI for national development and global competitiveness.