By Sodiq Adelakun
21-year-old Adesola Adegbite, a second-year Chemistry student at Lagos State University, in an interaction with our correspondent, revealed that when she was preparing for her exams, she reached for an unusual study tool.
Instead of relying only on her textbooks, she turned to an AI-powered app on her laptop to guide her through difficult topics.
She explained that the tool helped her make sense of reactions she had struggled with in the past, breaking them down into manageable steps.
She also said using it alongside her notes helped her to follow the reasoning more clearly and test her understanding before entering the exam hall.
Her experience has given credence to a new report released by Google on Tuesday, which shows that Nigerian students are increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence to support their studies.
The data revealed that searches linking “AI + studying” surged by more than 200 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024, underscoring a shift in how learners are approaching education.
Subjects such as Chemistry, Mathematics and Languages recorded some of the sharpest rises in AI-related searches. Google noted that interest in “AI + chemistry” grew by 50 per cent, while “AI + maths” and “AI + languages” both climbed by 30 per cent.
In his words: “Nigerian learners are not just using AI for answers but as a tool to deepen their understanding of complex subjects, from Chemistry to Mathematics. We are committed to providing tools that will empower students to learn, grow, and succeed.”
In the same vein, at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ibrahim Sulaimon, an HND student, has also found AI invaluable for managing his workload.
He often uses it to double-check his calculations when studying Mathematics after work hours.
According to him, the tools provide instant feedback on where his problem-solving went wrong and guide him on how to correct it.
In his words, “I use it to check my steps in Mathematics. If I get stuck, it shows me where I went wrong. It’s like having a tutor in my pocket.”
Also, for Chioma Nwokedi, a 300-level English student at LASU, the attraction lies in the ability of AI to support her language studies.
She uses it mainly to review grammar and to cross-check translations in French, ensuring she has confidence in her assignments.
She explained: “My lecturers always tell us to think critically. When I use AI for grammar checks or explanations in French, I don’t copy it blindly. I compare it with what I’ve learnt. It saves time and keeps me confident in class.”
Also, grammar-focused queries rose by 20 per cent, showing how widely the technology is being explored in classrooms.
Google’s Director for West Africa, Mr Olumide Balogun, said the trend points to a deeper embrace of technology in education.
Beyond the classroom, Google also recorded rising interest in AI as a whole.
General queries such as “how to use AI” and “what is the full meaning of AI” jumped by 80 per cent, while “who is the father of AI” rose by 70 per cent. Career-related searches linked to “Generative AI” and “professional certification” also recorded sharp increases, suggesting students are already thinking of the future job market.
The report also flagged concerns around responsible use, as searches for “AI detection” soared by 290 per cent. Universities across Nigeria have begun to raise questions about integrity, while students remain keen to strike a balance between assistance and originality.
With a 60 per cent rise in AI-related searches compared to 2024, Nigeria has hit an all-time high in interest this year.
For students like Adesola, Ibrahim and Chioma, the technology has become less of a shortcut and more of a companion, shaping not only how they study today but also how they prepare for tomorrow’s workplace.