ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SMART CAMPUS SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE. A STUDY OF BAZE UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Nigeria has faced several challenges such as frequent incidents of kidnappings, armed attacks, and violent crimes targeting students and staff in educational institutions, which has resulted in loss of lives, disruption of academic activities, and the closure of numerous schools. Baze University initiated AI-powered surveillance systems, predictive crime analytics, and AI-driven automated access control systems to address these challenges. This study examines whether the initiatives, strategies, and methods have successfully addressed the challenges. The study examined the role of Artificial Intelligence on smart campus security and surveillance in Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria. The study adopted the Theory of Deterrence as a theoretical framework. This study adopted survey and case study research designs. The target population are students, staff, and security personnel at Baze University. The total population of the study is 8,070. A sample size of 367 was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination formula. Primary data were sourced from respondents at Baze University through questionnaires and interviews while secondary data were sourced from academic journals, institutional documents, security reports, and policy guidelines. The study recommended, among other things, that Baze University Security Management should continue to invest in and maintain AI-powered surveillance systems, the Security Unit and ICT Department should strengthen the implementation of predictive crime analytics to further improve response time, and the University Administration and ICT Department should investigate and address the factors limiting the effectiveness of AI-driven automated access control and number plate recognition systems to enhance their reliability and impact on campus security.