Hybrid AI-Integrated Smart Learning Platforms for Career-Aligned Tertiary Education and Student Lifecycle Management

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@article{1718727,
      author = {Onyema Stephen Edward, PhD, Ejimofor Ihekeremma A. U., PhD},
      title = {Hybrid AI-Integrated Smart Learning Platforms for Career-Aligned Tertiary Education and Student Lifecycle Management},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {12},
      pages = {1106-1113},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1718727.pdf},
      abstract = {The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming tertiary education, yet institutions struggle to integrate AI tools into student lifecycle management and career-aligned learning. This study presents EduCareer AI, a hybrid AI-integrated smart learning platform that bridges the gap between academic instruction and graduate employability by combining adaptive learning, predictive analytics, and career alignment modules. Using Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, the platform was evaluated over one academic year with 450 students and 15 faculty members across three Nigerian universities. Compared to traditional systems, the platform increased student engagement from 58% to 83% (+43%), raised course completion rates from 64% to 82% (+28%), and cut dropout rates from 12% to 7%. The experimental group achieved a 10.2 percentage-point academic advantage over the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, administrative workloads fell by 40%, faculty grading times decreased, and the platform achieved a System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 82.3. These findings demonstrate that hybrid AI-integrated platforms significantly enhance student outcomes, career readiness, and institutional efficiency.},
      keywords = {Hybrid AI, Smart Learning Platforms, Student Lifecycle Management, Career-Aligned Education, Learning Analytics.},
      month = {June},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718727}
  }