A Study of the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Promoting Educational Equity and Access in African Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Artificial intelligence has been a revolutionary force for transformative change in higher learning, with significant potential for enhancing educational equity and access, particularly for African universities. This research aims to investigate how artificial intelligence can enhance and promote educational equity and access to higher education in Africa. An experimental basis for deploying artificial intelligence for educational initiatives was piloted here. The outcomes of this research suggest that artificial intelligence can serve as a primary agent for promoting equity in higher education through virtual classes and open access to learning materials, thereby enhancing social integration and providing equal opportunities for learning through automated teaching and adaptive learning tools. Research also highlights several challenges faced when implementing artificial intelligence in African universities, including data and security issues, as well as policy and techno-economic concerns. Furthermore, the study highlights that to ensure the successful implementation of artificial intelligence in African higher education, there is a need for robust policy frameworks on AI adoption and technological infrastructure.