INFLUENCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS IN BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN KWARA STATE

Abstract

This study examines the Influence of Artificial Intelligence on students' Critical thinking and Problem-solving Skill in Business and Entrepreneurship Education in Kwara State, Nigeria. Two purposes were raised from which two research questions and two hypotheses were generated. A quantitative explanatory study strategy was employed, utilizing primary data gathered via structured questionnaires distributed to 150 students from three universities in the state. The sample was intentionally chosen to encompass essential factors, such as the frequency of AI tool utilization, degrees of AI adoption, and students’ self-assessed problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Data analysis utilized both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The regression models indicate a moderate positive association between Artificial Intelligence and critical thinking skills, and a moderate positive correlation between Artificial Intelligence and problem-solving abilities. The findings indicate that although Artificial Intelligence markedly improves students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, there is an urgent necessity for organized Artificial Intelligence training initiatives and faculty development. The study concludes that Artificial Intelligence significantly influences students' Critical thinking and Problem-solving Skill in Business and Entrepreneurship Education in Kwara State. It was recommended that incorporating formal AI training programs that emphasize AI technologies, business applications, and ethical considerations into business and entrepreneurship education is highly required and should be championed by institutions.