AI in Nigerian Education: Balancing Innovation, Ethics, and Academic Integrity

The Impact of AI on Education in Nigeria

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing education in Nigeria, especially within tertiary institutions. As one lecturer from the University of Ibadan puts it, “AI is like having a second brain; it can provide support but cannot replace your own thinking.” This highlights a growing concern: many students rely heavily on AI tools, sometimes at the expense of other valuable learning resources.

Machine learning applications such as ChatGPT and Germini have become common aids for academic success. Their adoption among Nigerian students is on the rise due to their ability to assist with research, writing, and problem-solving tasks. However, this growing dependence raises ethical questions and worries about academic integrity.

AI Usage Trends and Literacy Among Students

A 2024 Global AI Student Survey by the Digital Education Council collected responses from 3,839 students across 16 countries. The findings revealed that students typically use around 2.1 AI tools for their coursework. ChatGPT topped the list at 66% usage, followed by Grammarly and Microsoft Copilot at 25% each.

Despite widespread use, many students feel unprepared. About 58% reported insufficient knowledge about AI tools, and 48% felt inadequately equipped for a workforce increasingly shaped by AI technologies.

Challenges of AI Integration in Nigerian Education

The surge in AI use has led to concerns about plagiarism and intellectual laziness. Poor infrastructure—such as unreliable electricity and limited ICT resources—common in many Nigerian institutions, could increase students’ dependence on AI. For some, AI becomes a lifeline in environments where access to updated textbooks and library resources is limited.

Stanley Boroh, a senior lecturer at Federal University, Otuoke, describes AI as gradually becoming a menace in education. Still, he stresses the importance of acceptance and ethical use, stating that the problem lies not with AI itself but with how it is used.

Opportunities and Responsibilities for Educators

Uchenna Uzo, faculty director at Lagos Business School, notes that AI is changing how students engage with learning. It accelerates understanding and supports problem-solving. However, instructors face the challenge of keeping pace with AI tools to effectively guide students.

Uzo also points out that AI can amplify existing student behaviors: motivated students benefit, while lazy students may become more complacent. He calls for clear policies to regulate AI use, addressing issues like plagiarism, fraud, and impersonation.

Ethical Use and Policy Development

• There is a pressing need for collaboration among educators, administrators, and policymakers to ensure AI is used responsibly.
• Abuse of AI is not limited to students; some academics and researchers also misuse these tools, which can erode scholarly rigor.
• AI should assist smart work, not replace critical thinking or effort.

Currently, AI governance is limited. Few faculty members are fully familiar with institutional guidelines, and many feel existing policies lack comprehensiveness. In 2024, Nigeria introduced a draft National AI Strategy emphasizing fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy in AI development.

Similarly, UNESCO recommends institutions audit AI algorithms and data sources to maintain ethical standards. They also urge assessing AI's long-term effects on skills like critical thinking and creativity, alongside aligning policies with global ethical frameworks.

Final Thoughts

AI is here to stay in Nigerian education. Its benefits are clear, but so are the risks. The key lies in promoting ethical use, improving AI literacy among students and educators, and developing clear, enforceable policies. Together, these steps can help Nigerian institutions integrate AI tools while preserving academic integrity and encouraging genuine learning.

For education professionals interested in developing AI skills or learning about ethical AI use in academic settings, exploring specialized courses can be valuable. Resources are available at Complete AI Training.