Development of an Intelligent Management Information System (IMIS) to Optimize Operational Efficiency in the Computer Engineering Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT),Nigeria

Rasheed A. A., Nwobodo-Nzeribe, H. N. and Etuk Akaninyene. U.

Department of Computer Engineering Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT),Nigeria

Corresponding author’s Email: qadzealous@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study entitled “Development of an Intelligent Management Information System to Optimize Operational Efficiency in the Computer Engineering Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)” focuses on the design, implementation and deployment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Management Information System (MIS) aimed at improving operational efficiency in the Department. Developed during the 2024/2025 academic session, the study addresses persistent challenges such as slow administrative processes and poor data coordination, which are common in academic institutions. By incorporating AI technologies, the system aims to automate tasks, optimize resource management, and provide tailored academic support. A detailed requirements analysis showed that most users were between 25 and 35 years old (62%) and actively engaged in academic pursuits: 48.9% held or were pursuing BSc degrees, 28.9% MSc and 22.2% PhDs. The gender distribution were nearly even; thus emphasizing the need for an inclusive and user-friendly platform. Key issues in the existing system included sluggish performance, frequent downtime, and a cumbersome interface. Respondents called for faster response times (31.1%), improved usability (20%), and more efficient backend operations (15.5%) as reflected in the results of the survey. There was strong interest in AI-powered features such as intelligent academic data processing, curriculum mapping (24.4%), and secure authentication through biometrics or facial recognition (31.1%). The system was developed using Semantic Versioning and built on the CodeIgniter framework, applying a Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture with Hierarchical Model-View-Controller (HMVC) for modular and maintainable development. It integrates client/server communication, event-driven logic, database-focused operations, and object-oriented design to ensure performance and scalability. Core functionalities include predictive analytics, real-time user assistance through natural language processing, and a flexible structure capable of supporting future expansion. This project highlights AI’s potentialities to transform educational administration, streamline operations, and enhance academic delivery. The study recommends the adoption of the AI-MIS as a sustainable and effective replacement for the current University digital system, given its innovative capabilities and alignment with institutional goals.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Management Information Systems, Higher Education, Operational Efficiency, Educational Technology, GPT-API, PHP, MySQL

CITE AS: Rasheed A. A., Nwobodo-Nzeribe, H. N. and Etuk Akaninyene. U. (2025). Development of an Intelligent Management Information System (IMIS) to Optimize Operational Efficiency in the Computer Engineering Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Nigeria. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES, 5(1):17-32