Artificial Intelligence in Educational Management for Enhanced Administrative Effectiveness in Rivers State Universities.

Abstract

This study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing administrative effectiveness within Rivers State Universities. The study had 3 objectives and was guided by 3 research questions and 3 hypotheses. A descriptive survey design was employed. The population of the study was 48 Educational Management administrators from two Rivers State-owned universities (Rivers State University (RSU) and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, IAUE). The population included the Head of Department, a secretary and the assistant and exams and record officers from the Department of Educational Management of the aforementioned Rivers State Universities. The sample size of the study was 48 respondents which comprised of 19 male and 29 female administrators. The census sampling technique was adopted for the study to include the whole population into the sample due to its manageable size. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, titled Artificial Intelligence in Educational Management for Enhanced Administrative Effectiveness in Rivers State Universities Questionnaire (AIEMAERSUQ), rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The instrument's reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.91. Responses were analysed using mean and standard deviation for research questions, while z-tests were applied to test hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The findings reveal that AI tools, such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and automated scheduling systems, significantly contribute to improving administrative processes, decision-making, and resource management in the universities. Both male and female administrators shared similar views on AI's positive impact, demonstrating consensus across genders. The study recommends increased AI adoption, continuous training for administrators, and customization of AI tools to align with the specific administrative needs of Rivers State universities to further enhance effectiveness.