Title: Readiness Assessment of Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption
Authors: Workenh Eshatuu Sime (PhD)
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 332-343
Publication Date: 2026/07/28
Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming higher education by creating new opportunities for enhancing teaching, learning, research, and institutional management. However, the successful adoption of AI depends on institutional readiness, technological capacity, human competencies, and supportive governance frameworks. This study assesses the readiness of Ethiopian higher education institutions for AI adoption by examining AI awareness, institutional preparedness, current AI applications, perceived opportunities and challenges, and factors influencing AI adoption practices. A quantitative research approach was employed using data collected from 318 faculty and staff members from selected Ethiopian public universities. Descriptive statistics and Ordered Logit, Ordered Probit, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models were used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that Ethiopian higher education institutions demonstrate moderate readiness for AI adoption. While respondents reported growing awareness of AI and recognized its potential benefits for teaching, research, and institutional transformation, institutional support mechanisms, including AI training, policies, technical support, and funding, remain insufficient. AI adoption was positively and significantly influenced by AI knowledge and awareness, institutional readiness, AI integration in teaching and learning, and AI integration in institutional management. Conversely, technical, organizational, and governance challenges significantly constrained AI adoption. The study highlights that institutional readiness is the strongest determinant of AI adoption practices. The study concludes that Ethiopian higher education institutions possess emerging foundations for AI adoption but require strategic interventions to strengthen digital infrastructure, develop AI-related policies, enhance human capacity, and establish effective governance frameworks. The findings provide important implications for policymakers and university leaders seeking to promote responsible and sustainable AI integration in higher education.