By Sarah Sam Adda
Nigerian students are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for academic support, with Google reporting a 200% surge in searches combining “AI + studying” compared with 2024.
The data, released Tuesday as schools reopened, showed AI-related searches hit an all-time high in 2025, rising 60% in the past year.
Students are seeking AI tutors, free tools, and prompts across subjects. Searches for “AI + chemistry” grew 50%, “AI + maths” and “AI + languages” rose 30% each, while queries linking AI to grammar increased 20%.
Popular questions included: “What is the best AI in the world for solving mathematical problems?” and “How to use AI to solve math problems?”
Google’s West Africa Director, Olumide Balogun, said the trend shows learners are embracing AI not just for answers but to grasp complex topics.
He reaffirmed Google’s commitment to providing tools that empower Nigerian students to succeed.
General interest in AI has also expanded, with searches for “how to use AI” and “what is the full meaning of AI” up 80%, and “who is the father of AI” up 70%. Queries for “AI detection” spiked 290%, reflecting concerns about responsible use and academic integrity.
Google added that “Generative AI” has emerged as a breakout term, often paired with “professional certification,” indicating young Nigerians are preparing for careers where AI skills will be vital.
