Abstract:

This scoping review investigates the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the strategic objectives, advantages, obstacles, and ethical implications tied to its implementation. The study synthesises insights from ten pivotal articles derived from an extensive bibliometric analysis of 149 publications available in the Scopus database, covering the period from 2016 to 2024. The review underscores the potential of AI to substantially improve educational quality by facilitating personalized learning experiences and enhancing operational efficiencies. The incorporation of AI is aligned with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, as it improves access to quality educational resources and encourages innovative teaching methodologies. Nevertheless, significant challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, resistance from faculty, and a lack of training programs impede effective integration. Ethical issues concerning data privacy and algorithmic bias are also examined, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive guidelines to promote responsible AI utilisation in educational settings. The findings are intended to guide policymakers and educators in adopting the best practices for AI integration in higher education, considering the distinct socio-economic context of sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence in education, Sustainable development goals, Higher education integration.