Comparative Analysis between Awareness and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence Technology for Teaching and Research Activities among Public University Lecturers in South-West, Nigeria

Abstract The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education is reshaping teaching and research methodologies. This study examines the level of awareness, utilization, and AI adoption among lecturers in public universities in Southwest Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from a representative sample of 525 lecturers across the selected institutions. Four research questions and two hypotheses were answered and tested at 0.05 level of significance respectively. Findings reveal a moderate to high utilization of AI tools for teaching and research, with ChatGPT (86.9%), Canvas (72.0%), and plagiarism checkers (62.1%) being the most frequently used for instructional purposes, while ChatGPT (86.7%), Canvas (75.2%), and Suite Assistant (66.7%) were prominent in research activities. Regression analysis established a significant relationship between lecturers’ awareness of AI and its utilization for teaching (β = 0.161, t = 3.620, p < 0.05) and research (β = 0.325, t = 7.250, p < 0.05), indicating that increased awareness promotes higher AI adoption. The study recommend among others that the university management should procure the necessary digital resources to support seamless AI integration into teaching and research; and organize regular AI training workshops and professional development programs to improve lecturers’ competence in AI adoption. Keyword: Artificial Intelligence, Awareness, AI Utilization, University Lecturers, Teaching, Research