Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Readiness for Utilization among Students and Lecturers of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State – Nigeria

Abstract The increasing integration of artificial intelligence into higher education has raised critical concerns about how prepared academic actors are to engage with emerging technologies, prompting this study on artificial intelligence awareness and readiness for utilization among students and lecturers of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. The study examined the level of awareness of artificial intelligence and assessed readiness for its utilization in teaching, learning, and research activities. The Technology Acceptance Model guided the study. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with a population of 7604 comprising of students and 16 selected lecturers totalling 7620 population, from which a sample of 373 was determined through Krejcie and Morgan formula. Respondents were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques, including Pearson Product Moment Correlation and One-Way Analysis of Variance. The results of the hypotheses showed a significant positive relationship between awareness and readiness (r = 0.62, p < 0.05), and significant differences in awareness across faculties (F = 3.45, p < 0.05) and levels of study (F = 4.12, p < 0.05). Descriptive findings revealed that 65.6% of respondents demonstrated general awareness of artificial intelligence, while only 46.9% showed awareness of institutional policies guiding its use. In terms of readiness, 68.8% expressed willingness to use AI, whereas only 50.0% indicated adequate skills and confidence for its application. The study concluded that awareness is moderate and largely functional, while readiness is relatively high in disposition but constrained by limited competence and institutional support. The study recommended structured capacity-building programmes and the development of clear institutional frameworks to enhance effective and responsible utilization of artificial intelligence in the university.