Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education, making learning more accessible, and sparking concerns about its impact on academic integrity.
While students praise AI tools like ChatGPT for simplifying their studies, lecturers worry that over-reliance on AI fosters laziness and erodes critical thinking skills. Many students now struggle to defend their assignments, raising alarms among educators.
Professor Isaac Nwaogwugwu of the University of Lagos shared his frustration, recounting a recent experience with his MBA students.
“I gave them an assignment, and out of over 100 students, about 40% submitted identical answers. They didn’t even know each other, but they all used the same AI tool,” he said.
This trend, he noted, is prevalent across both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, particularly in part-time and distance learning courses.
Lecturers are not the only ones misusing AI. Some educators are also accused of over-relying on it, using AI-generated lesson notes, course outlines, and even exam questions without thorough review.
This creates a cycle where both teachers and students lean on AI for convenience rather than intellectual engagement.
The growing use of AI raises fundamental questions about academic integrity. A UNESCO report highlights that while ChatGPT had 100 million monthly users in January 2023, only one country had introduced regulations on generative AI by mid-2023. By December 2024, ChatGPT’s weekly user base had surpassed 300 million, with over a billion messages exchanged daily.
Dr. Felix Echekoba of Nnamdi Azikiwe University lamented that students often submit polished AI-generated assignments but fail to answer basic questions when tested.
“Education isn’t just about passing courses; it’s about learning,” he said.
While some argue that AI doesn’t necessarily create undeserved first-class graduates, Prof. Nwaogwugwu acknowledged that even top students are becoming dependent on these tools.
“A first-class student is a first-class student, AI or not. But it’s undeniable that AI is making students less analytical.”
Some students, however, defend AI’s role in education.
A 300-level Business Administration student at the University of Lagos, Eniola Arowosafe said AI helps her understand complex topics by breaking them down into simpler terms.
However, she admitted facing setbacks when her lecturer immediately recognized that her project had been generated by ChatGPT and rejected it. “AI is a double-edged sword,” she said.
A final-year Marketing student at UNIZIK, Tunde Awoshita confessed to occasionally copying directly from ChatGPT when overwhelmed by deadlines.
“Sometimes, I just copy and submit. Honestly, most lecturers don’t even read through, but AI has also helped me learn faster.”
Experts believe the solution isn’t banning AI but teaching both students and lecturers how to use it responsibly. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized the importance of balancing AI integration with human involvement.
“AI should enhance, not replace, the role of educators in shaping young minds,” he said.
Cybersecurity expert Dorcas Akintade pointed out the risks associated with AI in education, including security concerns and plagiarism. She explained that AI tools generate responses based on existing data, often without proper attribution, which raises ethical concerns.
“People think AI pulls knowledge from nowhere, but it’s built on data input by others, which can mean using someone else’s intellectual work without credit,” she warned.
She also highlighted an early AI issue known as “hallucination,” where AI generates false information when it lacks accurate data.
Rather than banning AI tools, Akintade suggested grounding them with specific input and developing clear policies for their use in schools. “The key is proper oversight and structured AI education,” she said.
To curb AI-driven academic dishonesty, Prof. Nwaogwugwu now relies more on in-class assignments and tests. “If you set complex questions, AI can’t give direct answers,” he explained.
However, he acknowledged that large class sizes make this approach difficult.
He also noted that some lecturers struggle to counter AI misuse due to a lack of technological awareness. “Some lecturers are still stuck in the analogue age,” he said.
Nigeria took a step toward AI regulation in August 2024 with the release of a draft National AI Strategy, which prioritizes fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy.
UNESCO has also called for stricter AI policies in education, recommending that institutions audit AI-generated content and implement ethical guidelines. It also suggests age restrictions on AI use to protect younger students and vulnerable groups.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in education, concerns about its impact on learning and critical thinking continue to grow.
While AI offers undeniable benefits, the challenge remains in ensuring it serves as a tool for knowledge enhancement rather than a shortcut to academic success.
Nairametrics
