Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Enhancing Indigenous Knowledge and Entrepreneurial Skills Development among Business Education Students in University of Delta, Agbor

This study explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing indigenous knowledge and entrepreneurial skills development among Business Education students at the University of Delta, Agbor. In an era where technological advancement and cultural heritage must coexist, this research addresses how AI can serve as a bridge between tradition and innovation. Drawing on a descriptive survey design, the study engaged all 119 undergraduate students in the Business Education programme at the University of Delta, Agbor, during the 2024/2025 academic session. A structured questionnaire was administered to capture students’ perceptions of AI integration, the preservation of indigenous knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills development. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and t test statistics. The findings reveal that AI is moderately integrated into the business education curriculum, and this integration is statistically significant. More notably, AI demonstrates a meaningful contribution toward the documentation and digitization of indigenous knowledge systems, although fewer resources focus on embedding cultural ethics. The influence of AI on entrepreneurial skills emerged strongest, with students reporting enhanced creativity, innovation, and decision making capabilities in tech enabled learning environments. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges persist — particularly infrastructural deficits, limited staff training, and low digital literacy among students. The study concludes that AI holds transformative potential in business education when paired with cultural grounding and equitable access. Recommendations emphasize investment in digital infrastructure, professional development for educators, and curriculum redesign that merges AI competency with indigenous entrepreneurship practices. This investigation offers practical insights for educators, policymakers, and curriculum designers seeking to craft culturally responsive and technologically empowered business education.

Artificial Intelligence, Indigenous Knowledge, Entrepreneurial Skills, Business Education

1. Aboh, S. O., & Braide, E. H. O. (2024). Leveraging artificial intelligence for the preservation and development of Eggon indigenous knowledge. Advance Journal of Current Research. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17277542 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Ajani, Y. A. (2025). The role of digital technology in revitalisation of Igbo indigenous knowledge systems. Igbo Studies Journal. https://igbostudies.unn.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2025/07/2-The-Role-of-Digital-Technology-in-Revitalization-of-Igbo-Indigenous-Knowledge-System.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Anayochukwu, A. A. (2025). Artificial intelligence awareness and adoption patterns in Nigerian higher education. World Journal of Information Management & Technology, 9(5), 101–114. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Ejeh, P. C. (2025). Artificial intelligence and the future of Nigerian university students: Impacts on teaching, learning and employability. African Journal of Contemporary Education (2025). https://www.acjol.org/index.php/ochendo/article/download/6685/6472 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Ezeani, A. O., & Igbokwe, C. U. (2023). Indigenous business practices and sustainable entrepreneurship education in Nigeria. Journal of Vocational and Technical Education Studies, 8(2), 55–70. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy. (2023). National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Nigeria. https://fmcide.gov.ng/initiative/nais/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Ibrahim, A.-W., Taura, A. A., Iliyasu, A., Shogbesan, Y. O., & Lukman, S. A. (2024). Artificial intelligence (AI): Perception and utilization of AI technologies in educational assessment in Nigerian universities. Edukasiana: Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan, 3(3), 367–380. https://doi.org/10.56916/ejip.v3i3.763 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Ibrahim, A.-W., Taura, A. A., Iliyasu, A., Shogbesan, Y. O., & Lukman, S. A. (2024). Perception and utilisation of AI technologies in educational assessment in Nigerian universities. Edukasiana: Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan, 3(3), 367–380. https://doi.org/10.56916/ejip.v3i3.763 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Masenya, T. M. (2023). Revitalization and digital preservation of indigenous knowledge: Strategies and challenges. Journal of Archival Science & Preservation, 49(2), 101–119. https://doi.org/10.1080/0361526X.2023.2277962 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) / NITDA. (2024). National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Nigeria (1 Aug 2024 draft). https://ncair.nitda.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/National-AI-Strategy_01082024-copy.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Okoli, J. O. (2023). Entrepreneurial education and digital skills development in Nigerian tertiary institutions. African Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship, 7(1), 23–38. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Okpa, U. J. (2025). Digital literacy skills in southern Nigerian tertiary institutions: Status and implications for teaching in the AI era. International Review of Journal of Management Studies, April 2025. https://www.irjms.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Manuscript_IRJMS_02243_WS.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Olojede, H. T., & Olakulehin, F. K. (2024). Africa dreams of artificial intelligence: A critical analysis of its limits in open and distance learning. Journal of Ethics in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.26034/fr.jehe.2024.6869 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Peters, O., & Olojede, H. T. (2025). Influence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in Nigerian higher education. Àgídìgbo: ABUAD Journal of the Humanities, 13(1), 233–244. https://doi.org/10.53982/agidigbo.2025.1301.17-j [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Temitope, A. B. (2025). Artificial Intelligence in Nigerian higher education institutions: Opportunities and threats. All Multidisciplinary Journal, (May 2025). https://www.allmultidisciplinaryjournal.com/uploads/archives/20250517182657_MGE-2025-3-111.1.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Revolutionizing Library Services in Nairobi: Ethical Implications and Future Trends in User Interaction
• ESPYREAL: A Mobile Based Multi-Currency Identifier for Visually Impaired Individuals Using Convolutional Neural Network
• Comparative Analysis of AI-Driven IoT-Based Smart Agriculture Platforms with Blockchain-Enabled Marketplaces
• AI-Based Dish Recommender System for Reducing Fruit Waste through Spoilage Detection and Ripeness Assessment
• SEA-TALK: An AI-Powered Voice Translator and Southeast Asian Dialects Recognition