Abstract
This study investigated the impact of AI-powered chatbots on adult learners' engagement and satisfaction in Abuja, Nigeria. Adopting a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design, the researchers used quantitative data from Data were collected through engagement and satisfaction questionnaires (ESQ), with the reliability co-efficient of 0.83 and Engagement and Satisfaction Interview Guides with the reliability co-efficient of 0.84, and a Standardized Test with the reliability co-efficient of 0.86 to measure learning outcomes and capture learners' experiences. The study population consisted of 59 adult learners from two adult education centers in the Federal Capital Territory, selected via total enumeration sampling. The findings revealed that ChatGPT was the most used chatbot, followed by Quizbot, Google's Gemini, and Khanmigo. The results showed that AI-powered chatbots significantly enhanced learners’ engagement, motivation, and satisfaction. Furthermore, pre-test and post-test scores demonstrated a significant improvement in academic performance after the introduction of chatbots (p<0.001). Based on these findings, the study recommends that adult learning centers prioritize integrating ChatGPT into their learning platforms and explore tools like Quizbot to diversify and enrich the learning experience DOI: https://doie.org/10.50390/NCAEJ.2026553311