THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION IN BORNO STATE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing education worldwide, yet its role in Nigerian secondary schools remains underexplored. This study examined the opportunities and constraints of AI adoption in secondary education within Borno State. A descriptive survey design was used with 150 respondents (30 principals and 120 teachers) randomly selected from public secondary schools in Maiduguri Metropolis and environs. Data were collected through a validated 20-item questionnaire (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.85) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that AI presents significant opportunities such as personalized learning, virtual tutoring, and data-driven decision-making. However, major barriers include weak ICT infrastructure, inadequate teacher training, high costs, and ethical concerns. Urban schools reported more perceived opportunities compared to rural ones, while principals and teachers differed in how they viewed adoption constraints. The study concludes that AI has transformative potential for Borno State’s education system but requires investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and strong policy frameworks.