Influence of Artificial Intelligence Technology Integration on Career Readiness for Sustainable Development among Undergraduate Guidance and Counselling Students in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of guidance and counseling in achieving sustainable development goals, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on student career readiness, and the perceived benefits and challenges of integrating AI into guidance and counseling services. The research employed a descriptive design, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to counselling students, educators, and practitioners from universities and colleges selected through purposive sampling. Findings indicate a generally positive perception of the role of guidance and counseling in achieving sustainable development goals, with a weighted average mean of 3.18 (78%). Participants strongly agreed that guidance and counseling equip students to make choices promoting economic growth while minimizing negative social and environmental impacts (mean = 3.62). They also recognized that these services promote awareness of ethical consumption and production practices (mean = 3.66) and provide information about global challenges (mean = 3.52). However, there was lower agreement on guidance and counseling supporting the development of critical thinking skills for complex sustainable development issues (mean = 2.58). The study found a largely positive view of AI's impact on student career readiness, with a weighted average mean of 3.1 (77.5%). AI tools were perceived as valuable for providing insights into industry trends and required skills (mean = 3.62), preparing students for new job opportunities created by AI integration (mean = 3.66), and boosting student confidence in career prospects (mean = 3.52). Conversely, there was lower agreement on AI-powered career assessment platforms accurately identifying student strengths and weaknesses (mean = 2.19). Regarding the perceived benefits and challenges of AI in guidance and counseling, the weighted average mean was 3.4 (85%), indicating recognition of both. Key challenges identified include ensuring accuracy and unbiased nature of AI algorithms (mean = 3.62), the cost of implementation and maintenance (mean = 3.52), and the lack of human empathy (mean = 3.38). Significant benefits acknowledged were AI's ability to reduce administrative tasks for counselors (mean = 3.66), provide personalized career recommendations (mean = 3.52), and increase accessibility of services (mean = 3.38). Finally, the study found no significant gender difference in the perceived impact of AI on student career readiness (t = 0.49; df = 198; p> 0.05). The research recommends enhancing critical thinking skills in guidance programs, refining AI-powered career assessment platforms, addressing algorithmic bias and data privacy, investing in counselor AI literacy and hybrid models, developing cost-effective AI solutions, and promoting AI accessibility and inclusivity.