Artificial Intelligence Integration and its Impact on Administrative Decision-Making in Universities in Delta State

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration and administrative decision-making in universities in Delta State, Nigeria. As digital transformation gains momentum in higher education, the research aimed to investigate how AI adoption could enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of university administrative processes. A correlational survey research design was employed, with 350 administrative staff selected through multi-stage sampling from federal, state, and private universities. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire. The study examined AI adoption levels, decision-making quality, and perceived barriers to AI integration. The findings revealed that AI integration in university administrative systems was low to moderate, with tools like chatbots for student inquiries, enrolment forecasting, and fundamental data analysis being most commonly used. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between AI integration and the quality of administrative decision-making, with improvements in decision accuracy, speed, real-time data access, and evidence-based policy formulation. Despite these benefits, the study identified several barriers to AI adoption, including limited funding for infrastructure, insufficient technical skills among staff, resistance to change, and data privacy concerns. The study concludes that while AI has great potential to improve administrative governance in universities, a holistic approach is necessary. Recommendations include greater investment in AI infrastructure, capacity-building for administrative staff, and the creation of ethical frameworks to guide the responsible deployment of AI in Nigerian universities.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Administrative Decision-Making, Higher Education, University Management, Digital Transformation