ABSTRACT
The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in educational institutions has
significantly enhanced operational efficiency and learning experiences but has also
introduced substantial cybersecurity vulnerabilities that threaten data integrity,
privacy, and institutional functionality. This project investigates the profound impact
of these vulnerabilities on cybersecurity frameworks, with a particular emphasis on
deploying AI-powered security cameras integrated with sensors as a mitigative
strategy. Through a detailed case study of Boulder Technical Vocational Institute
(BTVI) in Ogun State, Nigeria—a private polytechnic that merges academic
curricula with vocational training—the research elucidates how unsecured IoT
ecosystems can facilitate data breaches, operational interruptions, and unauthorized
access. The findings advocate for hybrid AI architectures, regular firmware updates,
network segmentation, and comprehensive user training as foundational elements for
sustainable security. This research posits scalable, resource-efficient models to
bolster IoT security in educational environments, envisioning resilient cyber
ecosystems by 2030 that prioritize both technological innovation and human-centric
safeguards.