Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative innovations of the 21st century. From healthcare to transportation, communication to entertainment, and especially education, AI is changing how humans live, work, and learn. In Nigeria, the integration of AI into education offers enormous opportunities—but it also presents critical challenges.
This report focuses on the increasing overdependence of Nigerian students on AI tools and the worrying trend of academic laziness and negligence it is causing. While AI can enhance learning, when misused or overly relied upon, it risks weakening the intellectual and creative capacity of the next generation.
Understanding AI in the Academic Context
AI in education refers to the use of intelligent algorithms and software applications to support learning processes. These include tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, plagiarism checkers, automated tutoring systems, and even software that can write essays and complete assignments.
Globally, AI has helped students bridge knowledge gaps, improve writing, and study more efficiently. However, in Nigeria, a dangerous dependency is emerging. Instead of using AI as a supplement, many students now view it as a substitute for studying.
The Emerging Pattern of Academic Laziness
Across universities, polytechnics, and secondary schools in Nigeria, reports are mounting of students copying AI-generated assignments without reading or understanding the content. Rather than conducting research, reading textbooks, or attending lectures, students simply paste prompts into AI tools and submit the output as their own.
Some of the common scenarios include:
· Automated Assignments: Students now rely on AI tools to write entire term papers or answer essay questions. In one instance at a university in the South West, over 30 students submitted nearly identical AI-generated answers for a class assignment.
· Bypassing Reading: Textbooks are being ignored. Instead of studying, students ask AI tools to summarize entire chapters or provide answers to exam questions. This leads to superficial learning.
· Exam Malpractice: Some students attempt to use AI on phones during online exams or open-book tests, further eroding academic honesty.
· Neglect of Practical Skills: Students in engineering, medicine, and computer science rely on AI for coding, calculations, and even lab reports without understanding the underlying principles. This compromises their practical competence.
Root Causes of Overdependence on AI
1. Lack of Study Culture: For years, many Nigerian students have struggled with consistent study habits. AI provides a tempting shortcut to escape the discipline of traditional learning.
2. Poor Teacher Engagement: In some institutions, poorly motivated teachers and lack of interaction push students to seek learning alternatives, including AI tools.
3. Peer Influence and Social Media: The social media age glorifies ease and instant gratification. Many students now equate success with speed, not effort. AI fits this mindset perfectly.
4. Lack of Digital Literacy: Students are not being taught how to use AI ethically. Instead of understanding its limitations, they see it as a magic wand.
5. Pressure to Perform: Due to the intense competition for grades, scholarships, and employment, some students resort to AI as a survival mechanism, not a learning tool.
Consequences of Academic Neglect and AI Dependency
1. Erosion of Critical Thinking When students copy content without engagement, they lose the ability to think critically. They cannot analyze problems, weigh arguments, or generate original ideas.
2. Poor Communication Skills Writing and verbal expression suffer because students no longer practice articulating their thoughts. AI may be grammatically correct, but it lacks the student's unique voice and style.
3. Intellectual Dishonesty Submitting AI-generated work without acknowledgment is plagiarism. It undermines the integrity of academic institutions and devalues real effort.
4. Underdeveloped Practical Skills Students who avoid hands-on experience cannot function in real-world environments. For instance, a medical student who relies on AI for diagnosis tools may freeze in a real-life emergency.
5. Reduced Job Readiness Employers are increasingly wary of graduates who lack independent thinking. Students who depend on AI without understanding will struggle to meet workplace demands.
6. Academic Sanctions Several universities now use AI-detection software. Students caught using AI dishonestly risk suspension or expulsion.
Case Studies: AI Dependency Among Nigerian Students
· University of Abuja (2023): A lecturer reported that over 60% of submitted essays appeared to be generated by the same AI tool. Many students could not defend their work during oral presentations.
· Lagos State Polytechnic: Several students in a computer programming class were found to have submitted identical Python codes generated by AI, with no understanding of how the codes worked.
· Federal University of Calabar: A third-year education student presented a project clearly written with AI help. When asked basic questions about the theories mentioned, she was unable to respond.
The Role of Parents, Teachers, and Institutions
1. Teachers must help students understand that AI is a tool—not a replacement for learning. Assignments should focus on critical reasoning and originality. Oral tests and class discussions can reduce the temptation to cheat.
2. Parents must monitor their children’s study habits. Encouraging reading, discipline, and responsibility at home is crucial.
3. Institutions must develop AI usage policies and teach digital ethics as part of the curriculum. Tools like Turnitin and ZeroGPT should be employed to detect misuse.
Ethical Use of AI in Education
AI should be a support system. Here are ethical ways Nigerian students can benefit:
· Use AI to clarify difficult concepts, not to avoid reading
· Use grammar tools to polish original essays, not to write them
· Use chatbots to brainstorm ideas, not to replace their own thoughts
· Practice using AI for research assistance, not to plagiarize
Students must learn that real knowledge is built through discipline, practice, and reflection. AI can help, but it cannot replace the learning journey.
What the Future Holds: A Double-Edged Sword
If current trends continue, Nigeria could face a generation of graduates who look good on paper but lack depth in real-life situations. The international academic community will begin to question the credibility of Nigerian qualifications.
However, if AI is used wisely, it could uplift the education sector by:
· Personalizing learning for students at all levels
· Automating administrative tasks to free up teachers for quality engagement
· Making global knowledge accessible
The difference will lie in how the students, teachers, and institutions adapt.
Recommendations
1. National Policy on AI in Education: The Ministry of Education should set guidelines on AI usage, emphasizing ethical boundaries.
2. Digital Ethics Education: Introduce AI literacy courses at secondary and tertiary levels to teach responsible usage.
3. Teacher Training: Educators must be trained to use AI tools effectively and detect AI-generated content.
4. Assessment Reform: Move beyond take-home assignments. Embrace oral defenses, debates, practicals, and group work.
5. Reward Effort, Not Just Output: Celebrate students who show process, growth, and critical engagement.
6. Invest in Library and Research Infrastructure: Reduce the temptation to use AI by making quality academic materials easily available.
Citations:
· According to the World Economic Forum (2020), critical thinking and problem-solving remain top skills needed in the workforce, yet AI dependency may undermine their development in students.
· The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, 2021) emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and ethical AI use in educational systems.
· A 2023 report by Premium Times Nigeria revealed growing concerns among Nigerian lecturers regarding AI-generated academic work.
· JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede (2023), warned against overreliance on AI and called for urgent regulation to preserve academic integrity in Nigeria.
· Studies by The Brookings Institution (2022) show that while AI can assist in learning, it should not replace foundational educational processes like reading, researching, and critical engagement.
Conclusion
The future of AI in Nigerian education can be bright or bleak. It all depends on how it is used. If students continue to depend on it as a shortcut, they risk academic laziness, loss of integrity, and poor preparedness for the real world. But if used wisely, AI can support deep learning and open doors to innovation.
It is time for students to wake up, for teachers to step up, and for institutions to act. Education has never been about shortcuts. It is a journey, not a destination. And no machine, no matter how intelligent, can walk that journey for us.
The future is in our hands—not AI's.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative innovations of the 21st century. From healthcare to transportation, communication to entertainment, and especially education, AI is changing how humans live, work, and learn. In Nigeria, the integration of AI into education offers enormous opportunities—but it also presents critical challenges.
This report focuses on the increasing overdependence of Nigerian students on AI tools and the worrying trend of academic laziness and negligence it is causing. While AI can enhance learning, when misused or overly relied upon, it risks weakening the intellectual and creative capacity of the next generation.
Understanding AI in the Academic Context
AI in education refers to the use of intelligent algorithms and software applications to support learning processes. These include tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, plagiarism checkers, automated tutoring systems, and even software that can write essays and complete assignments.
Globally, AI has helped students bridge knowledge gaps, improve writing, and study more efficiently. However, in Nigeria, a dangerous dependency is emerging. Instead of using AI as a supplement, many students now view it as a substitute for studying.
The Emerging Pattern of Academic Laziness
Across universities, polytechnics, and secondary schools in Nigeria, reports are mounting of students copying AI-generated assignments without reading or understanding the content. Rather than conducting research, reading textbooks, or attending lectures, students simply paste prompts into AI tools and submit the output as their own.
Some of the common scenarios include:
· Automated Assignments: Students now rely on AI tools to write entire term papers or answer essay questions. In one instance at a university in the South West, over 30 students submitted nearly identical AI-generated answers for a class assignment.
· Bypassing Reading: Textbooks are being ignored. Instead of studying, students ask AI tools to summarize entire chapters or provide answers to exam questions. This leads to superficial learning.
· Exam Malpractice: Some students attempt to use AI on phones during online exams or open-book tests, further eroding academic honesty.
· Neglect of Practical Skills: Students in engineering, medicine, and computer science rely on AI for coding, calculations, and even lab reports without understanding the underlying principles. This compromises their practical competence.
Root Causes of Overdependence on AI
1. Lack of Study Culture: For years, many Nigerian students have struggled with consistent study habits. AI provides a tempting shortcut to escape the discipline of traditional learning.
2. Poor Teacher Engagement: In some institutions, poorly motivated teachers and lack of interaction push students to seek learning alternatives, including AI tools.
3. Peer Influence and Social Media: The social media age glorifies ease and instant gratification. Many students now equate success with speed, not effort. AI fits this mindset perfectly.
4. Lack of Digital Literacy: Students are not being taught how to use AI ethically. Instead of understanding its limitations, they see it as a magic wand.
5. Pressure to Perform: Due to the intense competition for grades, scholarships, and employment, some students resort to AI as a survival mechanism, not a learning tool.
Consequences of Academic Neglect and AI Dependency
1. Erosion of Critical Thinking When students copy content without engagement, they lose the ability to think critically. They cannot analyze problems, weigh arguments, or generate original ideas.
2. Poor Communication Skills Writing and verbal expression suffer because students no longer practice articulating their thoughts. AI may be grammatically correct, but it lacks the student's unique voice and style.
3. Intellectual Dishonesty Submitting AI-generated work without acknowledgment is plagiarism. It undermines the integrity of academic institutions and devalues real effort.
4. Underdeveloped Practical Skills Students who avoid hands-on experience cannot function in real-world environments. For instance, a medical student who relies on AI for diagnosis tools may freeze in a real-life emergency.
5. Reduced Job Readiness Employers are increasingly wary of graduates who lack independent thinking. Students who depend on AI without understanding will struggle to meet workplace demands.
6. Academic Sanctions Several universities now use AI-detection software. Students caught using AI dishonestly risk suspension or expulsion.
Case Studies: AI Dependency Among Nigerian Students
· University of Abuja (2023): A lecturer reported that over 60% of submitted essays appeared to be generated by the same AI tool. Many students could not defend their work during oral presentations.
· Lagos State Polytechnic: Several students in a computer programming class were found to have submitted identical Python codes generated by AI, with no understanding of how the codes worked.
· Federal University of Calabar: A third-year education student presented a project clearly written with AI help. When asked basic questions about the theories mentioned, she was unable to respond.
The Role of Parents, Teachers, and Institutions
1. Teachers must help students understand that AI is a tool—not a replacement for learning. Assignments should focus on critical reasoning and originality. Oral tests and class discussions can reduce the temptation to cheat.
2. Parents must monitor their children’s study habits. Encouraging reading, discipline, and responsibility at home is crucial.
3. Institutions must develop AI usage policies and teach digital ethics as part of the curriculum. Tools like Turnitin and ZeroGPT should be employed to detect misuse.
Ethical Use of AI in Education
AI should be a support system. Here are ethical ways Nigerian students can benefit:
· Use AI to clarify difficult concepts, not to avoid reading
· Use grammar tools to polish original essays, not to write them
· Use chatbots to brainstorm ideas, not to replace their own thoughts
· Practice using AI for research assistance, not to plagiarize
Students must learn that real knowledge is built through discipline, practice, and reflection. AI can help, but it cannot replace the learning journey.
What the Future Holds: A Double-Edged Sword
If current trends continue, Nigeria could face a generation of graduates who look good on paper but lack depth in real-life situations. The international academic community will begin to question the credibility of Nigerian qualifications.
However, if AI is used wisely, it could uplift the education sector by:
· Personalizing learning for students at all levels
· Automating administrative tasks to free up teachers for quality engagement
· Making global knowledge accessible
The difference will lie in how the students, teachers, and institutions adapt.
Recommendations
1. National Policy on AI in Education: The Ministry of Education should set guidelines on AI usage, emphasizing ethical boundaries.
2. Digital Ethics Education: Introduce AI literacy courses at secondary and tertiary levels to teach responsible usage.
3. Teacher Training: Educators must be trained to use AI tools effectively and detect AI-generated content.
4. Assessment Reform: Move beyond take-home assignments. Embrace oral defenses, debates, practicals, and group work.
5. Reward Effort, Not Just Output: Celebrate students who show process, growth, and critical engagement.
6. Invest in Library and Research Infrastructure: Reduce the temptation to use AI by making quality academic materials easily available.
Citations:
· According to the World Economic Forum (2020), critical thinking and problem-solving remain top skills needed in the workforce, yet AI dependency may undermine their development in students.
· The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, 2021) emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and ethical AI use in educational systems.
· A 2023 report by Premium Times Nigeria revealed growing concerns among Nigerian lecturers regarding AI-generated academic work.
· JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede (2023), warned against overreliance on AI and called for urgent regulation to preserve academic integrity in Nigeria.
· Studies by The Brookings Institution (2022) show that while AI can assist in learning, it should not replace foundational educational processes like reading, researching, and critical engagement.
Conclusion
The future of AI in Nigerian education can be bright or bleak. It all depends on how it is used. If students continue to depend on it as a shortcut, they risk academic laziness, loss of integrity, and poor preparedness for the real world. But if used wisely, AI can support deep learning and open doors to innovation.
It is time for students to wake up, for teachers to step up, and for institutions to act. Education has never been about shortcuts. It is a journey, not a destination. And no machine, no matter how intelligent, can walk that journey for us.
The future is in our hands—not AI's.
References:
UNESCO. (2021). AI and the Futures of Learning: Expert survey results. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org- World Economic Forum. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report 2020. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2020
- Brookings Institution. (2022). Artificial Intelligence in Education: Promise and Perils. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu
- Premium Times Nigeria. (2023). Nigerian lecturers raise alarm over AI-generated assignments. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com
- Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). (2023). Registrar’s warning on the misuse of AI in academic assessments. Retrieved from https://www.jamb.gov.ng
- Nigerian Tribune. (2023). University of Abuja flags AI-assisted malpractice. Retrieved from https://tribuneonlineng.com
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