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Ai-Assisted Social Work Education: Bridging the Skills Gap in Rivers State Tertiary Institutions Faculty of Social Sciences, Sociology Department Rivers State University, Nkpolu- Oroworokwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Akani Bobby Okechukwu

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into social work education represents a transformative opportunity to address critical skills gaps in preparing future professionals for practice in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. This article examines the current state of AI-assisted social work education at Rivers State University and other tertiary institutions, drawing from academic discourse, global scholarship, and the specific socio-economic realities of Rivers State. The paper identifies that AI innovations such as personalized learning modules, digital case studies, and interactive training simulations offer significant potential to enhance student engagement and professional readiness However, implementation faces substantial barriers including inadequate digital infrastructure, limited staff and student digital literacy, underfunding, and the absence of comprehensive policy frameworks The paper proposes a comprehensive framework for integrating AI into social work curricula, investing in educator training, developing public-private infrastructure partnerships, and creating culturally sensitive AI tools that respect the region's indigenous knowledge and community-based practice models . The paper concludes that strategic investment in AI-enhanced education is essential for equipping Rivers State social workers with the competencies required for effective twenty-first-century practice.

Keywords

AI-Assisted EducationSocial Work TrainingDigital LiteracyRivers StateCurriculum DevelopmentNiger Delta

References

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