ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS: COROLLARY FOR INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY IN PUBLIC TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and Information Management Efficiency in Public Tertiary Educational Institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and guided by a correlational survey research design. Three research questions and three null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The population comprised 312 administrative officers and office management staff drawn from Rivers State University, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. A sample of 174 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire validated by three experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha (0.81-0.86) was employed for data collection. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to test all three null hypotheses. Findings revealed significant positive relationships between: intelligent automation tools and Information Management Efficiency; AI-driven communication systems and Information Management Efficiency; and machine learning analytics and Information Management Efficiency. The study concluded that AI tools are significant determinants of Information Management Efficiency in Public Tertiary Educational Institutions in Rivers State. It was recommended, among others, that institutional authorities invest in AI infrastructure, develop AI competency frameworks for administrative staff, and formulate institutional AI governance policies.