Prospects and Challenges of the Nexus between Theological Education and Artificial Intelligence in Theological Institutions in Nigeria

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping educational systems in general and theological education in particular, especially within theological institutions in Nigeria. This paper explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into theological education. Anchored in the Technology Acceptance Model, this study is a systematic review of the existing literature, identifying pathways to successfully and productively utilising AI in theological education in Nigeria. It has been found that some theological institutions in Nigeria have begun incorporating AI into theological education curricula. The study highlights prospects such as enhanced accessibility, personalized learning, administrative efficiency, and research support. The study also identifies challenges such as ethical dilemmas, diminished human interaction, theological disruptions, and technical shortcomings. The study concludes that, despite the identified challenges, AI should be incorporated into theological education, with stakeholders exploring it prayerfully, integrating it humbly, and reflecting on its usefulness ceaselessly under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. It is, therefore, recommended that AI should be explored in theological education; it should be integrated into theological education; this integration should augment, but not supplant, stakeholders in theological education; AI-literate staff should be engaged in theological institutions; there should be formulated and properly implemented policies on the ethical usage of AI in theological education; there should be AI regulation among stakeholders in theological education and seminarians; there should be inclusion of the use of AI and other modern technologies in the curriculum of theological institutions; there should more research on the ethical implications of the use of AI; the place and guidance of the Holy Spirit should not be relegated in integrating AI in theological education; theological institutions and stakeholders in theological education should consciously be present online for online visibility and citation by AI.