Abstract

Education remains a fundamental pillar for national development, yet the administration of primary education in Nigeria continues to face persistent challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, insufficient professional social workers, and limited technological integration. These constraints have significantly impeded administrative efficiency and the holistic development of learners. This study examines the potential of leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform primary education administration by enhancing data-driven decision-making, automating administrative processes, and supporting social work practices through early detection of students’ psychosocial needs. The paper emphasizes that successful AI adoption requires deliberate efforts to address infrastructural deficits, bridge the digital divide, strengthen data security, and manage resistance to technological change among educators. Its further advocates for government investment in digital infrastructure, continuous capacity building for teachers and administrators, and the establishment of ethical frameworks for responsible AI use. It concludes that when effectively implemented, AI can serve as a powerful catalyst for achieving sustainable educational administration, improved social work service delivery, and holistic development in Nigeria’s primary education system. It recommended that continuous professional development programs should be organized for school administrators, teachers, and social workers to enhance their digital literacy and technical competence in integrating AI applications into teaching, learning, and administrative processes.