Abstract

The increasing advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed various sectors of society, including education and workforce development. In Nigeria, vocational education remains a critical pathway for equipping individuals with practical skills necessary for employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. However, the effectiveness of vocational education in the country has been hindered by numerous challenges such as outdated instructional methods, inadequate training facilities, limited access to modern technologies, and insufficient alignment with labour market needs. This paper examines Artificial Intelligence as a strategic tool for enhancing the quality of vocational education for sustainable development in Nigeria. Using a conceptual and analytical approach with the Human Capital Theory, by Becker (1993), the paper explores how AI technologies such as intelligent tutoring systems, virtual simulations, adaptive learning platforms, and automated assessment systems can improve teaching, learning, and skill acquisition in vocational education. The paper further highlights the potential contributions of AIdriven vocational training to sustainable development through improved employability, innovation, and economic productivity. Despite these opportunities, the adoption of AI in Nigerian vocational institutions faces several challenges including poor digital infrastructure, inadequate technical capacity among instructors, funding limitations, and digital inequality. The paper therefore recommends increased government investment in digital infrastructure, teacher capacity building, curriculum reform, and stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry stakeholders. The paper concludes that strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence into vocational education can significantly strengthen human capital development and contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria.

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