Towards a responsible artificial intelligence policy framework for Nigerian colleges of education: implications for educational leadership, policy and teacher preparation

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing higher education. It is reshaping teaching, learning, research, governance, and administration. Even with the growing global use of AI, its integration into Nigerian Colleges of Education is uneven. This is due to weak institutional policies, limited digital infrastructure, insufficient understanding of AI, ethical concerns, and poor governance. Most studies have looked at AI adoption, its opportunities, challenges, and ethical issues in higher education. However, few have focused on creating governance frameworks for teacher education institutions. This paper aims to fill that gap by proposing a Responsible Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework (RAIPF) for Nigerian Colleges of Education. The paper draws on recent research and international policies on responsible AI in education. It examines the leadership, policy, technology, ethics, teaching, and governance aspects of AI integration. The proposed framework includes seven related policy pillars: leadership and governance, AI policy and compliance, digital infrastructure and readiness, capacity building and professional learning, curriculum innovation and responsible AI teaching, ethics and data governance, and monitoring, evaluation, quality assurance, and ongoing improvement. Together, these pillars create a governance framework that encourages strategic AI governance and inclusive AI implementation in Nigerian Colleges of Education. This paper contributes to educational management and policy discussions by suggesting a specific AI governance framework that can guide policy development, improve teacher preparation, inform regulations, and provide a basis for future research on responsible AI in teacher education.