Demography and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigerian Higher Institutions: Implication on the Needs for Policy Implementation

Abstract

Demography plays a crucial role in understanding the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigerian Higher institutions as different demographic factor can influence the rate and extent of the adoption. This paper analyzed Demography and adoption of AI in Nigerian Higher institutions with the focus of examining the factors influencing the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Nigerian Higher Institutions and the needs for policy on its adoption. The paper relied on secondary sources of data such as documented Journals, articles and books written in the area of Demography and adoption of AI in Nigerian higher institution for its analyses. Drawing from the Social Learning Theory the article argued that graduate students' self-efficacy is correlated with their beliefs about their capacity to use and benefit from AI-powered technologies, and outcome expectations are correlated with their beliefs about the possible consequences and outcomes of using AI. Findings suggest that AI adoption in Nigerian Higher institutions is still in its early stage, with many participants recognizing both the potential benefits and the challenges associated with AI integration. More importantly, interactions with artificial intelligence (AI)-based educational tools might be influenced by various demographic factors, including age, gender, marital status, prior technology experience, learning preferences, the type of academic programs, level of education, urban / rural location of the institutions, and socio-economic status of students. The paper recommends among others that policy makers and educators should address potential disparities and ensure equitable access to AI education considering factors like age, gender, location of the institution and socio-economic status in order for Nigerian to prepare its students for the digital age and foster economic growth and development.