The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Streamlining Administrative Processes in Continuing Education Programs in Nigeria. A Study of Adult Educators and Lecturers’ Perspectives

This study investigates the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining administrative processes in continuing education programs in Nigeria, focusing on the perspectives of adult educators and lecturers. The research involved a mixed-methods approach, combining a descriptive survey of 350 participants, including 200 lecturers and 150 administrative staff, with in-depth interviews of 20 participants. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled "Adult Educators' and Lecturers' Perceptions of AI in Streamlining Administrative Processes in Nigerian Continuing Education Programs (AELP-AI-CE)," supplemented by semi-structured interviews to gain deeper insights. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.91, indicating strong internal consistency. The general findings reveal that while educators are aware of AI tools and their potential to reduce manual workloads, there is a significant gap in their current use and training. Educators perceive significant benefits of AI in reducing administrative workloads, improving data accuracy, and enhancing resource allocation. However, they also identify major challenges to AI adoption, including poor internet connectivity, lack of funding, and technical skill deficits. Ethical concerns, such as data privacy and algorithmic bias, are also highlighted as significant barriers. One key recommendation is the need for capacity-building initiatives to enhance digital literacy and technical skills among staff. This includes targeted training programs focused on practical applications of AI tools, such as automated enrollment systems and predictive analytics. The study underscores the importance of addressing both technological and social factors to successfully integrate AI into administrative processes in Nigerian continuing education programs.