DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARTIFICIAL-INTELLIGENCE-BASED DIGITAL SKILLS ENHANCEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Ojo T. O.; Alabi P. A.

Ojo T. O.
Alabi P. A.

Abstract

The rapid advance of automation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies is reshaping
labour markets worldwide, raising the digital competencies required of the workforce and placing
technical and vocational education and training at the centre of efforts to prepare learners for the
digital era. This study developed, validated and evaluated an artificial-intelligence-based
framework for enhancing the digital skills of learners in technical education in Southwest Nigeria.
A design-and-development research approach was employed, combining needs analysis,
framework and platform development, expert validation and field evaluation across three
purposively selected technical-education institutions in Osun State. A needs analysis (N = 120
learners, 18 lecturers) identified priority digital skills: data literacy (94.2%), AI literacy (88.3%),
digital communication (85.8%), problem-solving with digital tools (82.5%) and cybersecurity
awareness (78.3%). The AI-based digital skills enhancement framework was developed
integrating adaptive learning, intelligent tutoring and generative-AI support, instantiated in a
web-based platform. Expert validation rated the framework highly for relevance (3.80), soundness
(3.60), usability (3.40) and feasibility (3.40). Usability testing with 45 learners and 8 lecturers
over a six-week period showed high usability (System Usability Scale score = 78.4) and high
perceived effectiveness in enhancing digital skills (mean = 3.62/4.00). Learners reported
significant gains in confidence for data literacy (78.4%), AI literacy (72.6%) and digital
communication (68.2%). The findings demonstrate that an AI-based digital skills enhancement
framework is feasible, usable and effective in the Nigerian technical-education context, and they
provide a replicable implementation guide for modernising technical education and strengthening
learners’ digital competencies.