Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Quality Improvement in Nigerian Tertiary Education

Abstract

This study examined the influence of emerging technologies on quality improvement in Nigerian tertiary education. A cross-sectional correlational survey design was adopted involving 284 academic staff selected through multistage sampling from the University of Uyo and Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit. Data were collected using the researcher-developed Emerging Technologies and Quality Improvement Questionnaire (ETQIQ) (Cronbach's α = 0.89). Mean and standard deviation answered the research questions, while multiple linear regression tested the hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed a high extent of utilization of emerging technologies (Grand Mean = 3.01), with cloud computing and artificial intelligence recording the highest levels of use. Emerging technologies also exerted a high influence on quality improvement (Grand Mean = 3.36), particularly in teaching effectiveness, student engagement, research productivity, institutional efficiency, graduate digital competence, and innovation capacity. Regression analysis showed that the six technologies jointly explained 69.2% of the variance in quality improvement (R² = 0.692, p < .05). Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, learning analytics, immersive technologies, and the Internet of Things were significant predictors, whereas blockchain technology was not. Major constraints included inadequate infrastructure, unstable electricity, poor internet connectivity, and insufficient funding. The study recommends sustained investment in digital infrastructure, institutional policies, and staff capacity development to accelerate technology-driven quality improvement in Nigerian tertiary education.