FOSTERING CRITICAL THINKING AND CREATIVITY THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN NIGERIA PUBLIC TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF SOUTHEAST STATES

Abstract

The study examined fostering of critical thinking and creativity through artificial intelligence (AI) in
Nigeria public tertiary institutions of South East States. Philosophy guides education in the
development of critical thinking and creativity in learners. These higher order of thinking make
learners to think creatively, approach problems from different angles and develop innovative solutions.
Thus, this study becomes imperative in order to make learners better prepared to fit into this ever
changing world of technological advancement. Three research questions guided the study. A 15– item
structured questionnaire constructed by the researchers was used for data collection. The instrument
was validated by three experts each from the Department of Educational Foundations (measurement
and evaluation), Department of Philosophy and Department of Computer Science of Nnamdi Azikiwe
University Awka. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the internal consistency reliability of the
instrument which was seen as reliable with an index of 0.83. Mean (x) was used to analyze the data
collected with the instrument. The results revealed among other things factors necessary for fostering
critical thinking and creativity through Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria public tertiary
institutions of South East States as adequate digital infrastructure, adequate computer literate
academic staff, better staff welfare package, adequate funding of curriculum, organizing regular
workshop and conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The study also found out the reasons that call
for the necessity and benefits of fostering critical thinking and creativity through Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria public tertiary institutions of South East States. It was recommended
among other things that government at all levels should provide adequate digital infrastructure, recruit
adequate computer literate academic staff and place their priority on staff welfare.