Research Collaboration and Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools for Research Output among Polytechnic Lecturers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated research collaboration and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for research output among Polytechnic lecturers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the level of research collaboration, extent of AI tools usage, and the challenges affecting research output. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 361 lecturers from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, and Federal Polytechnic, Offa. A structured questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection, while data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed a moderate level of research collaboration, mainly within institutions and through digital platforms such as ResearchGate and Google Scholar, while international collaboration and joint grant applications were low. Lecturers demonstrated a high extent of AI tools usage, particularly in plagiarism detection and writing assistance. The level of research outputs was moderate, with greater engagement in conference and seminar presentations than in indexed journal publications or funded research. Major challenges identified included heavy teaching workload, limited funding, and inadequate digital infrastructure. The study concluded that research outputs among Polytechnic lecturers are moderate and recommended institutional support, digital infrastructure improvement, and AI literacy training by polytechnic management for research output.