DOI: 10.18848/2327-011x/cgp/a277 ISSN: 2327-2570

Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Era

Ayodeji Olorunfemi Olawole, Chinedu Hilary Joseph, Olubanke Mofoluwaso Bankole
Show PDF Cite
This study examines lecturers’ anxiety about the perceived impact of artificial intelligence (AI), amid gender differences, on job security in tertiary institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The survey design used was cross-sectional. A structured questionnaire (α = 0.89) was used to gather data from 857 lecturers, who were sampled through the multi-stage sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics and Pearson product–moment correlation were used to analyze the data. The findings show a moderate level of AI anxiety among lecturers in Nigerian tertiary institutions and a moderate extent of institutional adoption of AI tools. AI anxiety significantly predicted lecturers’ perceptions of job security. Although lecturers’ AI anxiety significantly predicted perceptions of job security, the explained variance was very small (R2 = 0.009), indicating a statistically detectable but practically modest relationship; this suggests that higher anxiety corresponds with stronger fears about employment stability. More so, analyses revealed significant gender differences in AI anxiety and perceptions of job security. To ameliorate anxiety, respondents endorsed strategies including systematic training, mindset reorientation, collaborative support, and improved staff welfare. Overall results emphasized the importance of strengthening lecturers’ competencies and promoting their psychological readiness for effective AI integration in higher education. AI currently poses a limited direct threat to lecturers’ job retention; however, it contributes to increasing uncertainty about future expectations and the evolving nature of academic responsibilities. Sustained upskilling, institutional support, and structured policies for responsible AI integration are necessary to reduce anxiety toward the technology and strengthen lecturers’ sense of job security. Targeted professional development, clear institutional guidelines, and inclusive AI adoption frameworks are essential to mitigate anxiety and ensure that AI continues to enhance academic roles.

More from our Archive