DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SMART CLASSROOM INTEGRATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOUTHEAST, NIGERIA

Abstract

The rapid diffusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart classroom technologies has intensified the demand for strategic educational leadership capable of managing systemic digital transformation. This quantitative study developed and validated a Strategic Leadership Framework for AI and smart classroom integration in public secondary schools in Southeast Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 700 principals and ICT coordinators across secondary schools in Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi States, selected through stratified random sampling. Instruments measuring strategic leadership competencies, organizational readiness, and AI/smart classroom integration outcomes were validated and demonstrated strong reliability (α = .86–.91). Data were analyzed using multiple regression and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings indicated that strategic leadership competencies significantly predicted AI integration outcomes (β = .48, p < .05), while organizational readiness also exerted a significant effect (β = .41, p < .05). The structural model demonstrated acceptable fit indices (CFI = .93; TLI = .91; RMSEA = .06). The study proposes a validated leadership framework tailored to emerging digital ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa and provides policy recommendations for scalable AI implementation in secondary education.