Fifteen people were purposively selected: ten university lecturers and five industry experts. Data came from semi-structured interviews, and the researchers applied thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke's widely used framework, coding transcripts and grouping recurring patterns into themes across three research questions. The findings paint a mixed picture.

Lecturers judged to be authentic in AI-mediated environments demonstrated critical thinking, adaptability, ethical consciousness and a commitment to lifelong learning. At the same time, participants reported substantial obstacles. The study identified poor integration of AI into practical instruction, limited collaboration between academics and industry, and unresolved ethical dilemmas as persistent challenges.

From the analysis, the researchers distilled a set of key competencies for the AI era: instructional design that incorporates AI tools, ethical consciousness in deciding when and how technology should shape learning, and reflective practice, the habit of critically evaluating one's own teaching. Together, these define what the authors call authentic competence in AI-mediated vocational education. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted professional development so lecturers can build AI-related skills, stronger industry-academic partnerships to keep instruction aligned with workplace realities, and policy reforms to support authentic, AI-ready teaching.

The recommendations follow directly from the barriers and competencies reported by participants. The authors note that the article is being shared early as a peer-reviewed, accepted version, citable with a permanent DOI, and subject to further edits before the final Version of Record appears. As a qualitative study of fifteen purposively selected participants in one Nigerian region, its findings describe the experiences of that group rather than measuring competence across all VTE lecturers, but they offer a grounded starting point for rethinking teacher preparation as AI moves deeper into technical education.

Subject of Research: Lecturer competence and authenticity in AI-mediated vocational and technical education in Southeastern Nigeria

Article Title: Rethinking authentic vocational and technical lecturers’ competence in the age of artificial intelligence in Southeastern Nigeria

Article References: Asogwa, V. C., Ali, C. C., Bature, S. S., Eze, E. C., Omego, G. N., Emeghebo, U. M., Madu, M. A., Attah, B. I., Izuakor, C. F., & Francis, N. P. (2026). Rethinking authentic vocational and technical lecturers’ competence in the age of artificial intelligence in Southeastern Nigeria. Discover Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-026-04609-4

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s43621-026-04609-4

Keywords: artificial intelligence, vocational and technical education, lecturer competence, authenticity theory, qualitative research, Nigeria, professional development, thematic analysis, industry-academic partnership, educational ethics, Rethinking, authentic