Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved to become an essential tool across many sectors, including education. Among the various AI technologies, language models such as ChatGPT have emerged as particularly transformative. These tools offer students the ability to access vast amounts of information, engage in interactive learning, and even receive assistance with writing, problem-solving, and study support. As noted in a UNESCO report, by January 2023, ChatGPT had already reached 100 million monthly active users globally. This rapid adoption is indicative of the growing reliance on these tools worldwide, but it also highlights a significant gap in regulation. By July 2023, only one country had introduced regulations for generative artificial intelligence, highlighting the challenge of managing Technology that evolves at such a rapid pace.
The impact in Education is not merely a trend; it is a profound shift in how students engage with learning materials and academic tasks. Students today can utilise this technology to assist them in a wide variety of educational needs, from conducting research to improving their writing skills. For instance, the usage of tools like ChatGPT has skyrocketed, with the platform now boasting over 300 million active users each week as of December 2024. This growth demonstrates the increasing role of artificial intelligence in helping students across the globe, including Nigerian students, overcome educational barriers, particularly in regions where access to quality resources may be limited. In such contexts, this technology offers students a new method for acquiring information and fostering intellectual curiosity.
Usage challenges academic Integrity.
In Nigeria, the growing adoption of tools like ChatGPT has proven to be particularly beneficial. The country faces unique challenges in its education sector, including inconsistent access to textbooks, educational resources, and qualified teachers. For Nigerian students, Artificial intelligence provides an avenue to supplement their education, enabling them to access information and receive academic support wherever they are. With the global reach of ChatGPT and similar platforms, Nigerian students now have the ability to ask questions, clarify doubts, and explore complex subjects in ways that were previously unattainable. With more than 1 billion messages being sent daily through platforms like ChatGPT worldwide, it is clear that AI has the potential to become an integral part of students’ daily academic lives.
However, the increased use of AI has raised concerns among educators, particularly regarding academic integrity. In an interview with Nairametrics, Prof. Isaac Nwaogwugwu, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, expressed frustration over the growing reliance on AI-generated responses among students. Recounting a recent experience, he shared, “I gave an assignment to my MBA students, and out of over 100 students, about 40% submitted the exact same answers. These students did not even know each other, but they all used the same tool to generate their responses.” This trend is not limited to postgraduate students; it is also prevalent among undergraduates, particularly in part-time and distance learning programs, raising concerns about the authenticity and originality of student work.
Ethical use must be encouraged in schools.
One of the most significant benefits of AI for Nigerian students is its potential to help overcome the limitations of the traditional education system. Artificial intelligence-powered tools like ChatGPT can provide immediate assistance with tasks such as homework, language learning, and even understanding difficult concepts in mathematics or science. In addition, these tools enable students to learn at their own pace, providing a more personalized learning experience. Beyond just academic help, it also plays a critical role in preparing students for the digital world. As technology continues to advance, being proficient in AI and digital tools is becoming a crucial skill for success in the workforce, making the use in education an Investment in future employability.
However, as the use of AI becomes more widespread, there are important considerations about its regulation. While some countries have already introduced policies to govern it’s use, Nigeria has yet to establish clear regulations regarding the use of these tools in education. Without regulatory frameworks, there are risks of misuse, such as Data Privacy concerns or the spread of Misinformation through generated content. The Nigerian government and educational institutions must take proactive steps to develop policies that ensure its ethical use, protecting students while maximising the benefits of these innovative tools. As AI continues to evolve, the need for comprehensive guidelines becomes even more pressing.
Related Article: Addressing AI’s ethical challenges in Nigeria
Ultimately, the increasing use in education offers Nigerian students significant opportunities to enhance their learning experiences. With over 300 million active users of ChatGPT weekly and over 1 billion messages sent daily across the globe, this technology is clearly transforming the way students access and engage with academic material. In Nigeria, where education often faces numerous challenges, it has the potential to bridge gaps in resources and provide students with the tools they need to succeed. However, as the use of AI expands, it is critical that both the government and educational institutions work to ensure that AI is integrated in a way that maximizes its benefits while safeguarding against potential risks. With careful implementation and regulation, AI can help build a more equitable and effective Educational System in Nigeria and across the globe.