ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND COMMUNICATION IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS: RELEVANCE AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) communication tools have been found to improve internal communication and teamwork in any organization, and if applied in the tertiary institutions will help to improve communication.  AI technologies such as voice-based assistants, embodied robots, automated programs, news-writing programs, among others have been identified to function as communicators.  This study looked at the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence (AI) presents for tertiary institution communication. The paper discussed the evolution of AI, the concept and role of AI in communication, AI communication tools, AI and communication in Nigerian tertiary institutions, opportunities of AI in communication, and challenges of AI in communication.  It was concluded that Artificial intelligence (AI) communication in higher education offers a revolutionary chance to improve students’ learning and operational effectiveness as they have numerous beneficial ways of transforming student-teacher relationships, optimizing administrative procedures, and promoting cooperative and global research endeavours. It was recommended, among others, that there is a need for tertiary institutions to establish clear policies and ethical guidelines to ensure fair and transparent use of AI in educational settings, and allocation of resources for the necessary infrastructure upgrades and continuous professional development of staff.