10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

This study investigated the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in promoting inclusive and accessible education for students with visual impairments at Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria. The study specifically examined the accessibility and utilization of AI-powered screen readers, the effect of AI-assisted digital tools on literacy acquisition, and the challenges affecting the effective integration of AI technologies in inclusive education. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of six undergraduate students with visual impairments, all of whom were used as the sample for the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, while qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that AI-powered screen readers were accessible and utilized to a high extent among students with visual impairments, with a weighted mean of 3.08, indicating that these technologies support academic participation and learning activities. The study further revealed that AI-assisted digital tools positively influenced literacy acquisition, with a weighted mean of 3.14, by improving reading comprehension, vocabulary development, writing skills, and students’ motivation to learn. However, the study identified several challenges hindering the effective integration of AI technologies, including limited internet connectivity, inadequate training, technical issues, insufficient institutional support, and the high cost of AI-assisted devices and software. The study concluded that AI technologies have strong potential to enhance inclusive education and literacy development for students with visual impairments if existing infrastructural and institutional barriers are adequately addressed. The study recommended improved internet access, regular training programs, and increased financial and technical support for effective AI integration.