Integrating artificial intelligence (AI)Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher educationHigher education, with its potential to enhance teaching and learning, raises concerns over governanceGovernance, security, and ethicalEthical risks that persist. This longitudinal studyLongitudinal study (2023–25) examines the impact of a structured intervention on 358 university professors in Ecuador, tracking their progression from basic AI to advanced pedagogical implementation, where findings show a significant increase in AI acceptance (81% in 2025) with notable disciplinary disparities-STEM professors apply AI at a faster rate than those in humanities and social sciences. Another was ANOVA, whose results confirmed statistically significant improvements in professors’ perception, competency, and adoption intent (p < 0.001, moderate effect size). However, some barriers faced include a lack of training (44.8%), inadequate infrastructure (55.4%), and the absence of clear institutional regulations (46.7%). Universities with proactive AI integration policies exhibited higher adoption rates, underscoring the role of governance in fostering responsible AI use. This study provides empirical evidence to inform AI policy in higher educationHigher education, advocating training programs, strategic infrastructure investment, and adaptable regulatory frameworksRegulatory frameworks to ensure AI adoption aligns with innovation, equity, and academic autonomy.