Work

Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Early Childhood Education in Nigeria: A Critical Inquiry into Pedagogical Opportunities, Systemic Challenges and Policy Imperatives

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Early Childhood Education (ECE) represents a transformative paradigm shift globally, yet Nigeria's ECE sector remains critically underexplored in this domain.  Problem: Despite AI's demonstrated potential to enhance foundational literacy, numeracy, and personalized learning, Nigerian ECE faces systemic barriers including inadequate infrastructure, low teacher preparedness, ethical concerns, and the absence of comprehensive policy frameworks.  Significance: This inquiry critically examines the pedagogical opportunities, systemic challenges, and policy imperatives for AI integration in Nigerian ECE, addressing a significant gap in empirical and theoretical literature.  Method: Adopting a critical analytical methodology grounded in constructivist theory, critical rationalism, and African humanism, this study synthesizes peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and empirical studies published between 2015 and 2026, drawing extensively from verified Nigerian-focused research.

Source: International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT)

DOI: 10.38124/ijisrt/26sep998

Authors: Onyung Sandra Effiong, Orji Cyrus Ebere, Agu Mercy Oluchi, Ugwu John-Jerry Tochukwu, Ajagu Kingsley Onyeka

Institution: University of Hertfordshire

Language: English

Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Education

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7220830463