The Impact of AI on STEM Education and Workforce Readiness in Nigeria

Ishaq Arabo F; Yahya Ahmed; Adamu Abdulmalik

doi:10.56201/ijcsmt.vol.11.no6.2025.pg74.86

📄 Download Paper

The Impact of AI on STEM Education and Workforce Readiness in Nigeria

Ishaq Arabo F, Yahya Ahmed, Adamu Abdulmalik

Abstract

This study explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and workforce readiness in Nigeria. Amid rapid global technological change, Nigeria faces critical challenges in aligning its education system and labour market with AI-driven demands, including outdated curricula, infrastructural deficits, limited digital literacy, and underinvestment in teacher training. Through a mixed-methods approach analyzing national datasets, global reports, and policy documents, the study identifies both barriers and opportunities for AI integration. Findings reveal that while Nigeria’s youthful demographic offers a strategic advantage, systemic gaps in education quality, digital infrastructure, and workforce preparedness hinder full realization of AI’s benefits. The study highlights global best practices, the growing importance of ethical AI deployment, and the need for robust industry-academia collaboration. Strategic recommendations include curriculum reforms, teacher capacity-building, large-scale digital literacy programs, and coordinated policy actions to promote an inclusive, future-ready workforce. The research underscores that proactive investment in AI-enabled STEM education is crucial for Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth, digital transformation, and global competitiveness.

Keywords

STEM Education Reform; Digital Skills Development; Workforce Readiness in

References

Ahmadu, J., Shittu, R. A., Famoti, O., Nzeako, G., Ezechi, O. N., Ewim, C. P., & Omokhoa, H. E. (2025). The impact of technology policies on education and workforce development in Nigeria. * Oludipe, D. I., & Oludipe, B. D. (2021). Do teachers’ qualifications and experience influence academic performance of students in basic science in junior secondary schools in Nigeria? *Journal of Education in Black Sea Region*, *6*(2), 148–164. Patil, D. (2024). Impact of artificial intelligence on employment and workforce development: Risks, opportunities, and socioeconomic implications. *International Research Journal of Modern Engineering & Technology Science*. Pyenson, L., Mathai, A. M., & Haubold, H. J. (2019). United Nations education program in space science and technology 1988–2018. *Creative Education*, *10*(10), 2219–2231. Reuters. (2025, April 17). China to rely on artificial intelligence in education reform bid. Sari, J. M., & Purwanta, E. (2021). The implementation of artificial intelligence in STEM-based creative learning in the Society 5.0 era. *Tadris Jurnal Keguruan Dan Ilmu Tarbiyah*, *6*(2), 433–440. Trenerry, B., Chng, S., Wang, Y., Suhaila, Z. S., Lim, S. S., Lu, H. Y., & Oh, P. H. (2021). Preparing workplaces for digital transformation: An integrative review and framework of multi-level factors. *Frontiers in Psychology*, *12*, 620766. UNESCO. (2024). *Artificial intelligence in education*. Xu, W., & Ouyang, F. (2022). The application of AI technologies in STEM education: A systematic review from 2011 to 2021. *IJ STEM Ed*, *9*, 59. Zion-Ngoka, C. K., & Ekoh-Nweke, A. C. (2024). Influence of digital skills gap on job performance of administrative workers in universities in Imo State. *Nigerian Journal of Business Education*, *11*(2), 1–15.

The Impact of AI on STEM Education and Workforce Readiness in Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICAL THEORY