Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Nigerian Education: Assessing Their Influence in the Academic Performance of the Students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

AI integration in education has become prevalent, raising concerns regarding its potential
role in academic sloth, which is evident in increased AI dependency, resulting in a decline in
the reading culture among Nigerian students. The general objective of the study was to
assess the influence of artificial intelligence technologies on the academic performance of
the students at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Specifically, the study determined
awareness, knowledge, and usage of AI technologies among the students of the University of
Nigeria, Nsukka. The population of the study is 48,432, and it comprises the current student
enrolment (undergraduate and graduate students) of the university. The survey research
design was adopted to collect quantitative data for the research. The sample size of 420 was
determined using the Cochran formula of sample size determination. The findings of the
students revealed that there is a trend of academic sloth emerging because of increased
reliance on AI technologies. Similarly, the study concurs that they have experienced
detrimental consequences, ranging from increased dependency on AI to instances of
fabricated authorship, misinformation, and plagiarism while using AI technologies. Based on
the findings, it was recommended that students should be cautious when using AI-generated
content, which may grant access to a varied range of study materials. However, these
contents may not always be accurate, resulting in misinformation or low-quality educational
resources that affect students' learning experiences.

Keywords: Artificial, intelligence, Technology, Influence, Education, Awareness, Nsukka