Abstract

The persistent gap between investment in academic staff development and measurable performance outcomes in Nigerian universities, particularly in teaching effectiveness and research productivity, remains a major concern despite growing global emphasis on technologydriven education. This study therefore examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based training enhances academic staff performance in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and its implications for national development. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised academic staff in the Faculty of Administration, from which a sample size of 77 respondents was determined using Yamane's (1967) formula and selected through simple random sampling technique. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (multiple regression analysis) with the aid of SPSS. The findings revealed that AI-based training significantly improves academic staff performance by enhancing teaching effectiveness, digital competence, and assessment practices. Additionally, AI-driven research tools were found to significantly increase research productivity through improved data analysis, academic writing, and access to scholarly resources. The regression results indicated that both AI-based training and AI research tools have statistically significant effects on academic staff performance. The study concludes that AI-based training is a critical driver of academic excellence and a strategic tool for strengthening higher education systems in the digital age. It is recommended that universities integrate AI-driven training into staff development programs, while government agencies should expand funding to support digital infrastructure and AI capacity building. However, the study identified a gap in existing literature, particularly the limited empirical focus on AI-based training within specific institutional contexts in Nigeria, as most previous studies emphasize conventional training methods. The study therefore contributes to knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the role of AI in enhancing academic staff performance and its broader implications for national development. 246 Vol. 13, No. 1, May 2026, p246-257, ISSN: 699-3-7 THE NIGERIAN EDUCATOR, Daniel Kelvin John; Dr. John Orih Joseph & Hassan N.T Enhancing Academic Staff Performance through Artificial Intelligence-Based Training: A Study of Ahmadu Bello University and Its Implications for National Development Vol. 13, No. 1, May 2026, p243-254, ISSN: 699-3-7 https://www.thenigerianeducator.com/

How to Cite