As schools across Nigeria resume for a new academic session, Google has revealed a sharp rise in students’ reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) for academic support, signaling a profound shift in how young Nigerians are approaching learning and skill development.

According to Google Search trend data released on Tuesday, searches combining “AI + studying” surged by more than 200 per cent compared with 2024, highlighting how students are not only curious about AI but also adopting it as a study partner.

The report showed learners actively seeking out AI tutors, free digital tools, and prompts to support their work across key subjects.


Data from Google revealed that searches such as “AI + chemistry” grew by 50 per cent, while “AI + maths” and “AI + languages” rose by 30 per cent each. Queries linking AI to grammar support also saw a 20 per cent increase.

Among the most popular search questions were:

“What is the best AI in the world for solving mathematical problems?”

“How to use AI to solve math problems.”


Google’s West Africa Director, Olumide Balogun, explained that the trend reflects a new wave of student-driven learning where AI is not just about finding answers but enhancing deeper understanding of complex subjects.

“Nigerian learners are not merely asking AI for solutions; they are using it as a tool to deepen their knowledge across areas like chemistry, mathematics, and languages.

This shows that AI is becoming a partner in education rather than a shortcut,” Balogun stated.



Interestingly, the interest in AI is not confined to schoolwork alone. Google said general searches such as “how to use AI” and “what is the full meaning of AI” rose by 80 per cent, while curiosity-driven queries like “who is the father of AI” jumped by 70 per cent.

Another notable trend is the surge in searches for “AI detection,” which rose by a staggering 290 per cent.

Google attributed this spike to the growing debate around responsible AI use, academic integrity, and the risks of plagiarism in schoolwork and professional settings.


Beyond immediate academic assistance, Nigerian students are increasingly looking at AI from a career and professional standpoint.

Searches for “Generative AI” spiked dramatically in the last 12 months, often appearing alongside queries such as “professional certification.”

Google’s report suggests that young Nigerians see AI as a key to future employment opportunities, aligning with the country’s broader push to prepare its youth for a digitally driven global economy.


Nigeria, home to one of the world’s fastest-growing populations, is projected to supply the largest workforce globally by 2050.

Education experts argue that the growing use of AI among Nigerian students could become a cornerstone for equipping them with digital literacy, problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking needed in the modern workplace.

Industry analysts also warn, however, that without regulation, ethical guidelines, and structured curriculum integration, the reliance on AI could widen the gap between students with digital access and those in underserved communities.


Google noted that AI-related searches in Nigeria have reached an all-time high in 2025, growing by 60 per cent in the last year alone.

This suggests that the appetite for digital knowledge and technology-driven solutions extends beyond education into broader society, from business to healthcare.

The rise in AI use is also reflected in conversations among policymakers.

Recently, President Bola Tinubu ordered tighter oversight of stablecoins and digital financial tools, highlighting the government’s recognition of the digital transformation sweeping across the country.


Google’s findings paint a picture of Nigeria’s youth embracing AI not just as a tool, but as a companion in learning and future career development.

With queries spanning from mathematics to career certifications, the surge reflects a broader national awakening to the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.

As Balogun put it, “The real opportunity lies in using AI responsibly — not to replace human learning, but to amplify it.

At Google, our goal is to provide the tools that help young Nigerians learn, grow, and succeed in this digital age.”

With students increasingly blending AI into their academic and personal growth, Nigeria’s education system and policymakers may need to respond with clearer frameworks for digital literacy, responsible use, and equitable access.

The AI revolution is no longer a distant concept — it is already shaping the classrooms and careers of millions of Nigerian youths.