Predictors of University Lecturers' Intention-To-Adopt AI Tools for Research Output in Universities in Ondo State

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into academic research has gained significant attention due to its potential to enhance research efficiency, data analysis, and scholarly productivity. This study examined university lecturers' intention to adopt AI tools for research in Ondo State, Nigeria, focusing on the influence of information literacy skills and institutional readiness. The study adopted a correlational survey research design, involving 345 lecturers randomly selected from three public universities, with one university chosen from each of the three senatorial districts. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire titled Lecturers’ Intention-to-Adopt AI Tools for Research Questionnaire (LIATAIRQ). The instrument was validated by experts and achieved a reliability coefficient of 0.883 using the Cronbach Alpha technique. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research questions, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) and multiple regression analysis were employed to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed a high level of lecturers’ intention to adopt AI tools despite limited information literacy skills and low institutional readiness. A significant relationship was established between lecturers’ information literacy skills and their intention to adopt AI tools, as well as between institutional readiness and AI adoption. The study calls for institutional investment in AI infrastructure and policy development.