ROLE OF DIGITAL INNOVATION AND THE DEMANDS OF THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ON 21ST-CENTURY HIGHER EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the perceived influence of digital innovation and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on 21st-century higher education transformation in public universities in Anambra State. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised academic staff in public universities in Anambra State, from which a sample of 341 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Digital Innovation and 4IR Demands on Higher Education Transformation Questionnaire (D4IRHETQ). The instrument was validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Findings revealed that digital innovation has a strong positive influence on higher education transformation, enhancing teaching effectiveness, communication, curriculum delivery and student engagement. The study also found that 4IR demands positively influence higher education transformation by promoting digital skills, creativity, critical thinking and employability, although challenges such as limited awareness and infrastructural constraints exist. The study concluded that digital innovation and 4IR demands significantly contribute to higher education transformation in Anambra State. It was recommended that universities should strengthen digital integration and align academic programmes with 4IR requirements to improve educational quality and graduate competitiveness.