Former Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abdallah Adamu, has warned that the growing use of artificial intelligence by students poses a serious threat to effective learning in Nigerian universities if not properly regulated.
Adamu raised the concern in Abuja, on the sidelines of the 80th birthday celebration and book presentation of Emeritus Professor Godwin Sogolo, a distinguished philosopher, educator and administrator, and an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at NOUN.
Speaking with journalists, the retired professor said the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence tools has altered students’ learning habits, with many now submitting AI-generated responses as original academic work.
“We are already seeing the impact. When you give students assignments, many simply go to AI platforms, copy what is generated and submit it,” Adamu said. “This undermines critical thinking and genuine learning, which are the foundations of university education.”
He explained that while artificial intelligence offers opportunities for innovation, its unchecked use could erode academic standards if universities fail to develop new teaching and assessment strategies.
According to him, AI was not part of the academic environment when the current struggles in the university system began, stressing that government support is urgently needed to help institutions adapt their delivery systems to emerging technologies.
Adamu also linked the challenge to broader systemic issues, noting that inadequate infrastructure and poor learning environments further weaken students’ engagement and discipline.
The former vice-chancellor, who is set to retire in five months after over four decades in the university system, urged the Federal Government to accelerate reforms in higher education beyond staff welfare.
Adamu stressed that strengthening universities intellectually and technologically remains critical to safeguarding the future of education in Nigeria.
