Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education, making learning more accessible, yet it has also sparked growing concerns among Nigerian academics. While students praise AI tools like ChatGPT for enhancing their studies, lecturers warn that over-reliance on AI is fostering laziness, eroding academic integrity, and diminishing critical thinking skills.
Prof. Isaac Nwaogwugwu, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, shared his frustration in an interview with Nairametrics, citing a recent case of mass AI-generated submissions. He noted that this trend is widespread among both undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly in part-time and distance learning programmes.
Surprisingly, lecturers themselves have also been accused of relying on AI, creating a cycle where both educators and students use AI for convenience rather than intellectual engagement.
University lecturers are increasingly worried that students who submit AI-generated assignments struggle to explain their work when questioned.
Dr. Felix Echekoba, a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, described how some students appear competent on paper but falter when asked to demonstrate their knowledge.
“Many students copy from ChatGPT and submit polished assignments, but when asked basic questions, they go blank. It’s disappointing because education is about learning, not just passing courses,” he said.
While Prof. Nwaogwugwu acknowledged that AI is not solely responsible for the rising number of first-class graduates, he admitted that even top-performing students use these tools.
“A first-class student is a first-class student, AI or not, but that doesn’t mean they don’t cheat. The benefits of AI may be peripheral, but it is making students dependent and less analytical,” he noted.
Dr. Ereke, a lecturer at Ebonyi State University, pointed out that some educators are also guilty of excessive AI use.
“It’s not just students using AI lazily. Some lecturers, out of their own laziness, generate lesson notes, course outlines, marking schemes, and even exam questions with AI without reviewing them. Students, in turn, use AI to generate answers. It’s a cycle of laziness, and it is killing real learning,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, some students argue that AI has improved their learning experience by simplifying complex subjects and making information more accessible.
Experts believe the solution lies in AI literacy—teaching students and lecturers how to use AI as a learning aid rather than a shortcut. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasised the importance of maintaining human oversight while integrating AI into Nigeria’s education system.
“As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is crucial that we prioritise human agency in education. We must ensure that AI enhances, rather than replaces, educators’ vital role in shaping young minds,” he stated.
Cybersecurity transformation expert Dorcas Akintade highlighted two major reasons why AI tools are met with resistance in educational settings: security risks and plagiarism. She explained that AI tools like ChatGPT generate responses based on pre-existing data, which may not align with educators’ expectations. She also warned about plagiarism concerns, as AI-generated content often lacks proper attribution.
Additionally, she pointed out an issue known as “hallucination,” where AI fabricates information when it lacks a clear answer.
“If ChatGPT doesn’t have the information, it will make one up,” she cautioned.
Akintade argued that banning AI tools outright is not a viable solution, especially since AI presents opportunities to modernise education. She suggested that educational institutions should establish clear policies to guide AI use in classrooms.
To combat AI misuse, Prof. Nwaogwugwu has resorted to in-class assignments and tests to ensure originality.
“Now, I mainly use assignments to ensure students provide original work,” he said, though he admitted that large class sizes make this approach difficult.
“If you set complex questions, students won’t be able to use AI to get direct answers,” he added.
He also urged universities to train lecturers on crafting exam questions that AI cannot easily generate.
“Some lecturers are analogue,” he remarked, suggesting that many educators lack the digital skills needed to counter AI misuse effectively.
Nigeria released a draft National AI Strategy in August 2024, focusing on ethical AI development with principles of fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy.
UNESCO, in its recent report, called for institutions to regulate AI use in education by auditing algorithms and data sources to ensure ethical standards. The report also stressed the need to assess AI’s long-term impact on skills like critical thinking and creativity while implementing policies aligned with global ethical frameworks.
To protect younger students, UNESCO recommended age restrictions on AI tools, while urging governments to establish oversight bodies for regulating AI in education.
