CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF INTEGRATING ARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCE INTO TEACHER EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INNIGERIA: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW.

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is currently reshaping globaleducation, fundamentally altering how knowledge is created, shared, and assessed. In theNigerian context, the integration of AI into teacher education programs offers a pivotalopportunity to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and inclusivity of future educators;however, this potential remains largely untapped due to systemic barriers. This paperexplores the current state of AI adoption within Nigerian teacher education institutions. Itseeks to identify the specific opportunities AI presents for teacher preparation whilecritically analysing the multifaceted challenges that impede its successful implementation.Adopting a conceptual review approach, this paper synthesises current literature, drawingon peer-reviewed journal articles, policy documents and authoritative reports publishedbetween 2019 and 2025 to examine the intersection of AI and pedagogical training. Itevaluates the socio-technical environment of Nigerian tertiary institutions to assess theirreadiness for technological integration. The study reveals that while AI is essential formodernising teacher education, its implementation is significantly constrained byinfrastructure deficits, limited human capacity, inadequate policy framework and culturalresistance. The paper asserts that while AI is transformative, its benefits can only berealised through deliberate, policy-backed strategies. It concludes by recommending thatpolicymakers and regulatory bodies prioritise the development of comprehensive nationalguidelines for AI in teacher education to ensure a sustainable and equitable transition.