Surge in Student AI Use Raises Concerns Among Educators
As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly embedded in student life, educators and experts around the world are raising concerns over their widespread, and sometimes unchecked, use in academic settings.
A recent international study by the Digital Education Council, which surveyed 3,839 students across 16 countries, found that 86% of students are now using AI tools to assist with schoolwork, with nearly a quarter relying on them daily. ChatGPT emerged as the most commonly used platform, adopted by 66% of respondents, with students typically using over two different AI tools.
Despite these high usage rates, 58% of students admitted they lacked a proper understanding of how AI works, and almost half (48%) said they felt unprepared for an AI-driven workforce. Furthermore, 80% reported that their educational institutions had not yet integrated AI tools into teaching and learning in a way that met student expectations.
“Students recognize the efficiency and clarity AI can provide in learning, but many schools and universities are lagging behind,” the report stated. “This disconnect risks deepening gaps in academic preparedness and future job prospects.”
A separate UK-based study of 1,041 undergraduates revealed similar trends. Use of generative AI for assignments jumped from 53% in 2023 to 88% in 2024, with time-saving benefits and improved work quality cited as the main drivers. Yet only 29% of students said their universities encouraged the use of AI, and a third said they would be more motivated in their coursework if AI were integrated into assessments.
Students often turn to AI for tasks such as summarizing academic papers, generating ideas for essays, and simplifying complex concepts. But educators warn that over-reliance could stunt critical thinking skills.
“For students who already lack academic discipline, AI may simply amplify poor study habits,” said Dare Afolabi, Content Lead at Optimus AI Labs. “Too many are copying AI-generated content without reflection. This fosters a dangerous ‘copy-and-paste’ mentality and discourages independent thought.”
Afolabi stressed the importance of using AI as a learning aid rather than a substitute for learning itself.
Still, experts agree that AI holds significant potential to close learning gaps—especially when deployed thoughtfully. AI-powered tutors, real-time feedback, multilingual support, and content personalization offer promising opportunities to enhance education, particularly for underserved communities.
In Nigeria, the movement to embed AI into education is gaining traction. Government-led initiatives, in partnership with groups like the National Educational Research and Development Council, are working to introduce AI, coding, and robotics into the national curriculum. Meanwhile, private organizations such as Coderina have already brought digital skills programs to over 2,000 schools nationwide, boosting digital literacy and access to tech-driven education.
As AI continues to shape the academic landscape, calls are growing louder for institutions to take a more proactive role in helping students use the technology ethically and effectively.