ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) TO THE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND STUDENT PERSONNEL IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve administrative efficiency in schools by optimizing operations, enhancing communication, and offering data-driven insights for informed decision-making. Based on this premise, the study investigated the contribution of AI to managing financial resources and student personnel in secondary schools in Cross River State, Nigeria. Two research questions were developed to guide the study, alongside the testing of two null hypotheses. Correlational research design was adopted. The study population included all principals from 303 public secondary schools across the three Education Zones in Cross River State. A stratified and purposive sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 124 principals from these zones. Data were collected using a structured instrument titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Resources, and Student Personnel Management Questionnaire (AIFRSPMQ).” The research questions were analyzed using Pearson’s method, while the null hypotheses were tested through Simple Linear Regression at a 0.05 significance level. The study revealed that AI significantly contributes to the management of financial resources and student personnel in public secondary schools in Cross River State, Nigeria. It was recommended that training programme be established to equip principals with the skills necessary to effectively implement AI tools to enhance school efficiency. These findings highlight the transformative potential of AI in improving administrative processes in education, offering empirical evidence to support the adoption of AI technologies in school management for better outcomes. Moreover, the study's results are not limited to public secondary schools and may also apply to other educational systems.