Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Transform STEM and Integrated Science Education for Sustainable Development in Nigerian Secondary Schools

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping educational practices worldwide, yet its integration into secondary school STEM and Integrated Science classrooms in Nigeria remains limited. This study investigates the role of AI in enhancing student engagement, motivation, conceptual understanding, and sustainable development competencies in Nigerian secondary schools. Adopting a quasi-experimental design, 180 junior secondary students from three purposively selected public schools in Ikere Local Government Area, Ekiti State, were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. AI-driven instructional tools, including virtual laboratories and intelligent tutoring systems, were employed in the experimental group, while traditional methods were used in the control group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired and independent samples t-tests to evaluate differences in pre-test and post-test scores. Findings reveal that AI integration significantly improves student engagement, motivation, and academic performance, while also fostering skills essential for sustainable development, such as collaborative problem-solving and systems thinking. However, infrastructural limitations, digital literacy gaps among teachers, and resource constraints remain key barriers to effective implementation. The study concludes that strategic adoption of AI in secondary school science education can transform STEM learning, equipping students with knowledge and skills aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global sustainability priorities. The findings underscore the importance of targeted professional development for educators and investment in digital infrastructure, highlighting AI as a critical driver of educational innovation.