Abstract

The importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tertiary institutions has attracted greater attention of scholars, particularly in locations where universities faces enormous challenges in terms of insufficient resources, excessive workloads, and the demand for high quality productivity. This study empirically investigated the role of AI in enhancing academic staff productivity in public universities across North East Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, and the target population was academic staff drawn from six state-owned universities in the region. The study used a multistage sampling technique in selecting 420 respondents, and structured questionnaires were used to collect data on AI usage, teaching effectiveness, research output, and administrative performance. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression to find out the extent of AI’s influence on staff productivity. Results showed that AI tools significantly enhance teaching preparation, content delivery, and student engagement, while also promoting efficiency in research and administrative tasks. However, some constraints such as shortage of infrastructure, inadequate training, and apathy to technology adoption reduced optimal utilization. The study concludes that AI adoption promotes academic productivity in the 21st-century Nigerian university system. It recommends improved funding of digital infrastructure, capacity building, and supportive institutional policies to maximize the transformative potential of AI in tertiary institutions in North East Nigeria.