Abstract
It seems plausible to argue that artificial intelligence (AI) can be viewed as a digital platform that utilises advanced systems to tackle difficult issues in a manner akin to the human intellect. This study aims to investigate the relationship between academic staff performance at a tertiary institution and the utilisation of AI. 1026 staff academic members from a university in South-Eastern Nigeria, were included in the study's population set, which was conducted using the descriptive research survey methodology. A statistically significant positive correlation between the research variables was found through the analysis of the responses obtained from the distributed survey instrument using Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. This paper therefore concludes that given the seeming complexities of tertiary institutions and their significant consequences on staff, the adoption and utilisation of AI will positively impact their performances. In terms of policy implications, institutions of higher learning now need to set clear policies and guidelines for the creation and application of AI-based devices, as these guidelines will address issues concerning ethics, data privacy, and security.