Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article

Behavioural Intention and Readiness for AI Adoption among Lecturers in Northwest Nigerian Universities

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Submitted   Aug 6, 2025
Published   Nov 13, 2025
Issue    Vol 6 No 1 (2026)
DOI   10.25082/AMLER.2026.01.003

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Usman Abubakar corresponding author
Department of Educational Technology, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Samuel Adenubi Onasanya
Department of Educational Technology, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated lecturers' behavioural intention and readiness to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) for academic engagement in federal universities across Northwest Nigeria. Anchored on the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), a descriptive survey design was employed. Data were collected from 759 lecturers using the AI Technology Adoption Questionnaire (AITAQ) and analysed with descriptive statistics and Spearman's Rank Correlation. Findings revealed that lecturers demonstrated moderate levels of behavioural intention, readiness, and acceptance of AI, with an overall weighted mean of 3.43. Socioeconomic status had a weak, insignificant effect on AI adoption, whereas institutional support had a significant, though modest, positive effect, highlighting the importance of enabling environments over financial capacity. The study concludes that professional motivation, institutional structures, and perceived usefulness outweigh personal financial resources in determining AI adoption, with practical implications for policymakers to strengthen infrastructure, training, and leadership support for sustainable AI integration in higher education. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on AI integration in education, providing practical information for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance academic engagement through AI innovations.

Keywords
AI technology, behavioural intention, readiness to adopt, technology acceptance, technology adoption, institutional support, socioeconomic status

Article Details

How to Cite
Abubakar, U., & Onasanya, S. A. (2025). Behavioural Intention and Readiness for AI Adoption among Lecturers in Northwest Nigerian Universities. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 6(1), 1681-1698. https://doi.org/10.25082/AMLER.2026.01.003
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