Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Business Education Curriculum: Its Impact on Entrepreneurial Readiness and Mindset

Abstract The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence Technology (AIT) is reshaping industries, creating new opportunities, and redefining the skills required for business and entrepreneurial achievements. Integrating AIT into the business education curriculum is important because it is a major driver of change in the business world. Many industries are using AI to improve decision making, reduce costs, and create new products and services. This study examines the integration of AI learning into business education curriculum and its impact on students’ entrepreneurial readiness and mindset. Three research questions were formulated for the study. Mixed method research design was adopted for the study and questionnaire was designed and administered to a population which include 377 respondents comprising 325 business education students and 52 business education lecturers in Colleges of Education in North Central Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants who have engaged with AI-integrated courses. A reliability test was also conducted and analyzed using Cronbach Alpha coefficient method on the instrument which yielded an overall reliability coefficient of 0.88. Data generated was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) using Descriptive, Person Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Regression Analysis (RA). The findings reveal that indicated that there is no or a very low extent of AIT integration into business education curriculum such that lecturers and students are not exposed to the knowledge and use of AIT in business education programme. The results of the study also reveal that artificial intelligence in business education curriculum significantly correlates and predicts entrepreneurial readiness and mindset, with emphasis on the relevance and impact of AIT incorporation in business education programs, focusing on its role in equipping students with essential entrepreneurial readiness and mindset. The paper concludes that integrating AIT into business education prepares an opportunity-driven students ready to meet modern entrepreneurship demands and gain competitive advantage after graduation. It is recommended that business education programs should incorporate AIT-focused courses and practical applications into their curriculum and business educators must undergo continuous professional development and training in AIT.