Nigerian students power interest in AI to record high of 200% YoY

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming the new classroom companion for Nigerian students. As schools reopen across the country, recent data from Google Search trends show a significant increase in the use of AI for learning. 

Searches for “AI + studying” surged by over 200% since 2024, indicating a shift in how students approach their academic journeys.

Students are no longer just wondering what AI is; they are actively looking for ways to incorporate it into their studies. Phrases like “AI tutor for students,” “free AI tools for studying,” and “useful AI prompts for studying” top Google’s search results, indicating a growing interest in AI tools that are accessible, practical, and subject specific.

AI is being adopted across different ranges of academic disciplines. Searches for “AI + Chemistry” have surged by 50% in the last year, while “AI + Maths” and “AI + Languages” have increased by 30% respectively.

Similarly, “AI + Grammar” saw a 20% surge, indicating a broad range of use cases. Many of these enquiries go beyond just enquiry, indicating a need for practical assistance. For example, some of the students ask questions like “What is the best AI in the world for solving mathematical problems?” and “How do I use AI to solve mathematical problems?” Indicating that apart from assisting with homework, there is a growing desire to understand the fundamentals of AI itself.

Searches for “how to use AI” surged by 80%, while “what is the full meaning of AI” spiked by the same number. Even historical queries, such as “Who is the father of AI?” saw a 70% increase in search interest. This suggests that students are not only consuming AI technology, but also attempting to gain foundational knowledge that will shape their careers.

However, with this enthusiasm comes caution. Interest in “AI detection” tools has increased by 290% in the last year, reflecting growing concern about academic integrity and the responsible use of AI.

What the growing interest in AI means for Nigeria

As students use AI to solve problems and write essays, they are also looking for ways to keep their work authentic and ethically sound. This balance between innovation and integrity is becoming a defining feature of Nigeria’s AI adoption story.

The trend also indicates future career goals. Searches for “Generative AI” have become popular in 2025, frequently appearing alongside “professional certification”.

This suggests that students and young professionals are not only utilising AI to succeed in their current studies, but also preparing to use it in the workforce of the future. This shift could have a significant impact on Nigeria’s next generation of innovators. 

Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, emphasised the significance of this shift. “It’s inspiring to see Nigerian students so eagerly embrace AI to support their learning journeys. This back-to-school season, the data shows that students are not just using AI for answers but as a tool to deepen their understanding of complex subjects, from chemistry to mathematics.

This curiosity is key to fostering a new generation of innovators, and we are committed to providing tools that empower them to learn, grow, and succeed,” he concluded.

This surge in AI interest builds on the momentum of recent years. In 2024, Google reported a 130% increase in AI-related searches in Nigeria, placing the country sixth in Africa and 25th globally.

The new 2025 figures confirm that the trend is not slowing; rather, it is accelerating, with education emerging as a key driver.

The implications are significant. For educators, this entails rethinking teaching strategies to incorporate AI literacy and responsible use into curriculum.

For edtech companies, this is a massive opportunity to develop subject-specific AI tools tailored to Nigerian students, thereby bridging access and affordability gaps. While, for policymakers, the data highlights the need to support digital infrastructure and training that will allow this growing interest in AI to translate into tangible national progress

Nigeria’s adoption of AI is more than just keeping up with global trends; it reflects a more profound shift in how students learn, teachers teach, and the next generation prepares for the future.