ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The increasing application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created new opportunities for improving research and entrepreneurial development in higher education. This study examined Artificial Intelligence and research in business and entrepreneurship in in Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the extent to which AI-enabled data analysis and market intelligence contribute to research quality and the extent to which AI applications contribute to students’ entrepreneurial learning and development. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The study involved undergraduate students of business and entrepreneurship education in selected federal universities in South-East Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Artificial Intelligence in Business and Entrepreneurship Education Index (AIBEEI). The instrument was validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.81. Data were analysed using the Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that AI-enabled data analysis and market intelligence significantly contribute to research quality. The findings also showed that AI applications significantly contribute to students’ entrepreneurial learning and development. The study concluded that effective integration of AI into business and entrepreneurship education can strengthen research quality and enhance students’ entrepreneurial competencies. It was recommended that universities provide students and lecturers with adequate training in AI- enabled research tools and integrate relevant AI applications into business and entrepreneurship education.