IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

WORLD JOURNAL OF INNOVATION AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY (WJIMT )

E-ISSN 2504-4766
P-ISSN 2682-5910
VOL. 9 NO. 5 2025
DOI: 10.56201/wjimt.v9.no5.2025.pg101.114

---

Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Adoption Patterns among University Students in Nigeria: A Review

Anih Anselem Anayochukwu

---

Abstract

This review explores the awareness and adoption patterns of Artificial Intelligence (AI) among university students in Nigeria, focusing on current trends, challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations. Drawing on a combination of literature review, surveys, and interviews with students, faculty, and administrators, this study provides a comprehensive overview of AI’s integration within Nigerian higher education. The review identifies key trends in AI awareness, highlighting a growing interest among students but a disparity in understanding of AI’s practical applications and societal impacts. Despite this interest, significant challenges persist, including limited access to AI resources, insufficient faculty training, and a lack of dedicated AI-focused programs within academic curricula. Opportunities for AI adoption, particularly through the development of interdisciplinary curricula and collaboration with industry stakeholders, are also examined. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at fostering AI adoption, including curriculum reforms, faculty development initiatives, and government support for AI infrastructure. The findings of this review contribute to the growing body of knowledge on AI in higher education, offering insights for academic researchers and policymakers seeking to enhance AI awareness and integration in Nigerian universities.

keywords:

Artificial Intelligence adoption, AI resources, AI Awareness, Interdisciplinary AI

---

Abdullahi, S., Bello, M., & Yusuf, K. (2023). AI applications in climate modeling: A Nigerian
perspective. Environmental Informatics Journal, 18(2), 112-125.
Abiodun, O. I., et al. (2021). AI and entrepreneurship in Nigerian higher education: Challenges
and prospects. Journal of Innovation and Technology, 9(3), 201-215.
Adebayo, F. A., & Oluwatobi, A. A. (2020). Curriculum renewal in Nigerian universities for
emerging technologies. Journal of Curriculum Studies Research, 2(1), 10–22.
Adeleke, I. A., Akinwale, A. T., & Popoola, S. I. (2022). Artificial Intelligence education in
Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 17(3),
45–55.
Adeleke, O., Emeka, N., & Oladipo, A. (2022). AI-driven research and innovation in Nigerian
universities: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Educational
Technology and Innovation, 15(1), 45–59.
Adeleke, O., Igbokwe, C., & Bello, H. (2022). Artificial intelligence in higher education: A
pathway to research innovation in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Innovation Studies, 4(2),
55–67.
Adeola, T., & Yusuf, A. (2022). AI-driven learning environments in Nigerian tertiary institutions:
Opportunities and limitations. Journal of Digital Education in Africa, 6(1), 23–34.
Adepoju, S. A., & Ikuomola, A. D. (2022). Artificial intelligence education and the future of work
in Nigeria. Journal of Education and Technology, 3(1), 45–57.
Aina, O., & Ogunyemi, O. (2021). Advancing AI in Nigerian universities: The case of UNILAG’s
AI and Robotics Centre. Nigerian Journal of Technological Development, 18(2), 95–102.
Akintoye, A., & Alabi, O. (2020). AI education and adoption in Nigeria: The roles of universities
in development. International Journal of Computing and Technology, 11(2), 84–97.
Akudo, A. H., & Ogbonna, C. O. (2024). Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced
Assessment and Feedback Mechanisms in Nigeria Higher Education System:
https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.809012
Ayo, C. K. (2010). A review of e-learning in Nigerian universities: Challenges and prospects.
Computers & Education, 54(1), 140-147.
Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The second machine age: Work, progress, and prosperity
in a time of brilliant technologies. W.W. Norton & Company.
Cheng, J. (2019). The role of AI in education. The International Journal of Educational Research,
98, 45-55.
Chukwuemeka, L., & Bello, M. (2023). Bridging the AI education gap in Nigeria. African Journal
of Educational Technology, 12(1), 88–102.
Chukwuemeka, N., & Bello, T. (2023). Faculty readiness for AI education in Nigerian universities:
Training and development needs. African Journal of Educational Research, 11(2), 78-92.
Chukwuemeka, O., & Bello, A. (2023). Barriers to Artificial Intelligence integration in Nigerian
tertiary institutions. Journal of Educational Technology in Africa, 5(2), 89–101.
Edeh, M. O., & Madu, J. N. (2022). Exploring interdisciplinary AI curriculum integration in
Nigerian universities. African Journal of Science, Technology & Mathematics Education,
10(2), 123–136.
Eze, E. C., et al. (2021). Machine learning in Nigerian healthcare: Current status and future
prospects. African Journal of Medical Informatics, 12(4), 67-78.
Ezeani, C. N., Okoye, O. H., & Nwankwo, F. N. (2022). ICT infrastructure and AI learning
adoption in Nigerian universities. African Journal of Computing and ICT, 15(4), 45–55.
Luckin, R., Holmes, W., Griffiths, M., & Forcier, L. B. (2016). Intelligence unleashed: An
argument for AI in education. Pearson Education.
NITDA (2020). National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030). National Information
Technology Development Agency.
Ng, A. (2017). Artificial intelligence and the future of education. MIT Media Lab.
Nwachukwu, U., Akinyemi, B., & Okoro, C. (2022). Internet connectivity and digital learning
challenges in AI education. International Journal of Education and Development using
ICT, 18(2), 92–106.
Ode, S., Omenka, B. R., & Lawal, A. U. (2025). Review of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Readiness
in Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of Northern States of Nigeria.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382001137_A_Review_of_Artificial_Intelligen
ce_AI_Readiness_in_Higher_Education_Institutions_A_Case_Study_of_Northern_States
_of_Nigeria_BY
Odewale, O. O., Ojo, T. A., & Olatunji, F. O. (2023). Adopting cloud-based AI platforms in
Nigerian higher education: Opportunities and limitations. International Journal of
Education and Development using ICT, 19(1), 78–91.
Ogunleye, T., Adebayo, S., & Odili, I. (2021). AI applications in university administration: A
Nigerian perspective. Journal of Higher Education Management, 9(3), 88–97.
Ogunyemi, O. (2020). AI adoption in Nigerian higher education: Opportunities and challenges.
Nigerian Journal of Educational Technology, 12(2), 34-47.
Okafor, P., & Chukwuemeka, O. (2020). Emerging AI research themes in Nigerian universities.
Journal of Computer Science Research, 7(4), 210-220.
Okonkwo, C. W., & Ade-Ibijola, A. (2021). On the rise of Artificial Intelligence: A review of
current and future applications and its implications. South African Computer Journal,
33(3), 1–15.
Okonkwo, K., & Salami, F. (2023). Emerging trends in AI-based tutoring in Nigerian universities.
African Journal of Educational Technology, 10(1), 15–29.
Oladejo, O., & Musa, S. (2020). Precision agriculture and AI: Enhancing productivity in Nigeria.
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 8(1), 33-47.
Olanrewaju, M. K., Adediran, A., & Adepoju, S. A. (2022). Private universities and the future of
AI education in Nigeria. African Journal of Educational Technology, 4(1), 40–51.
Onuoha, M. E., & Ibrahim, T. A. (2021). Faculty preparedness and training needs for AI in
Nigerian higher education. Nigerian Journal of Higher Education Pedagogy, 8(1), 33–48.
Onwuka, G. U., Okafor, I. J., & Ogbonna, K. N. (2023). Student engagement and outcomes in AI-
based academic programs: A case study of three Nigerian universities. Nigerian Journal of
Educational Research and Development, 24(1), 66–80.
Russell, S., & Norvig, P. (2021). Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach (4th ed.). Pearson.
Shneiderman, B. (2020). Human-centered AI. Oxford University Press

DOWNLOAD PDF

---

Back