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Nigerian students now rely on AI for support — Google

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Nigerian students are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence to support their studies, according to new Google Search trend data released on Tuesday as schools reopen across the country.

Google said searches combining “AI + studying” rose by more than 200 per cent compared with 2024, showing that learners are not only curious about AI but are actively using it as a study companion. The company explained that students were seeking out AI tutors, free tools, and prompts to guide their work across a variety of subjects.

The data indicated that searches for “AI + chemistry” grew 50 per cent, while “AI + maths” and “AI + languages” each climbed 30 per cent. Queries linking AI to grammar also recorded a 20 per cent rise.

Google reported that popular search 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 showed that students were embracing AI as a way to deepen their learning.

Balogun said Nigerian learners were not just using AI for answers but as a tool to deepen their understanding of complex subjects, from chemistry to mathematics. He added that the company was committed to providing tools that would empower students to learn, grow, and succeed.

Google noted that interest in AI was spreading beyond schoolwork. Searches such as “how to use AI” and “what is the full meaning of AI” each rose 80 per cent, while “who is the father of AI” increased 70 per cent.

At the same time, queries for “AI detection” jumped 290 per cent, a development Google said reflected a wider conversation about responsible use and academic integrity.

The company also pointed out that career-focused searches were rising. It said “Generative AI” had emerged as a breakout search term in the past 12 months, often appearing alongside “professional certification”, suggesting that young Nigerians were positioning themselves for the future workforce.

Google said the findings highlighted a broader national trend, with AI-related searches in Nigeria hitting an all-time high in 2025, up 60 per cent in the last year.

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Education

Cross River shuts 36 illegal schools

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The Cross River State Government has shut down 36 unapproved schools, ranging from primary to secondary schools, operating without registration or official approval across three local government areas of the state.

The state Commissioner for Education, Professor Stephen Odey, who confirmed the development on Tuesday in Calabar, the state capital, described the situation as “unfortunate,” noting that some individuals continue to exploit unsuspecting parents by running unauthorised schools.

He explained that the closures were executed by the state task force on illegal schools, which was inaugurated earlier this month and warned that the ministry would no longer tolerate any unauthorised or “mushroom” operations in the state’s education sector.

“We have begun full-scale enforcement across the three educational zones in Calabar, Ikom, and Ogoja to sanitise the system and ensure that only schools meeting the required standards are allowed to operate,” Odey said.

The ministry’s publication listed 16 affected schools in Calabar, 10 in Ikom, and another 10 in Ogoja, all found to be running without government approval.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to quality education, Odey stressed that only duly registered and accredited schools would be permitted to function.

He further advised parents and guardians to verify the approval status of schools before enrolling their children, warning that the enforcement exercise would be extended to all 18 local government areas in the state.

“This exercise will continue until every illegal school is either regularised or shut down. We are determined to protect the integrity of education in Cross River State,” Odey stated.

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Education

ASUU suspends two-week warning strike

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities has announced the suspension of its ongoing two-week warning strike.

The National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, made this known in an ongoing press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Piwuna, the decision stemmed from the meeting of the National Executive Council meeting which was held overnight and ended by 4:00 am on Wednesday.

Piwuna noted that the union decided to embark on the strike due to the failure of the government to meet its demands on time.

“We’ve had useful engagements with representatives of the government to consider the response to the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreements. However, we are definitely not where we were prior to the commencement of the strike.

“The union acknowledged that the government returned to the negotiation table. While noting that a lot more work is still required, NEC came to the conclusion that the ongoing strike should be reviewed. The decision to review the strike action was a result of efforts by our students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“Consequently, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians.”

Recall that ASUU declared a total and comprehensive warning strike starting from Monday, October 13.

ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Others are payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).

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NELFUND opens student loan portal for 2025/2026 academic session

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing access to financial support for students across tertiary institutions in the country.

The agency said the application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

This is contained a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

NELFUND urged fresh students to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.

It appealed to tertiary institutions to show understanding regarding registration and fee payment deadlines for applicants awaiting loan disbursement.

“Institutional Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee Flexibility payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement

“Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should Special Notice formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility

“NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement said.

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