INTEGRATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COMPETENCIES INTO ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CURRICULA FOR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS: A FOCUS ON UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is repositioning the skill demands of the global workforce in Nigeria. This shift necessitates a re-evaluation and restructuring of higher education curriculum. This paper examines the integration of AI competencies into Electrical/Electronic Technology Education programmes in universities in southwest Nigeria, with a view to enhancing global competitiveness. The paper identifies existing gaps in technology education curricula, limited infrastructure, inadequate training and many other factors that constitute the consequence of the lack of integration of AI into the curriculum of Technology Education in Nigerian universities, particularly, universities in southwest Nigeria. The paper also proposes strategic framework for curriculum reform, incorporating AI literacy, practical applications of AI in Electrical/Electronic context and industry collaboration. The paper affirms, that infusing AI competencies into Electrical/Electronic Technology Education curriculum is crucial for producing graduates, that will be capable of meeting evolving global technological standards, with a view to contributing to national development.