Get Guardian on GoogleAs students across Nigeria head back to school, new data from Google Search trends revealed a significant shift in study habits, with a massive turn towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) for academic support. Search interest for “AI + studying” surged by over 200 per cent compared to 2024, highlighting how students are increasingly leveraging AI tools as a primary resource for learning.
This trend is part of a broader surge in AI curiosity in Nigeria. Search interest in AI reached an all-time high in 2025, growing by 60 per cent over the past 12 months. Nigerians are not just asking what AI is, but how to use it to enhance their daily lives, particularly in education. The data shows a 60 per cent increase in searches for “AI + lessons” over the past year.
Google yesterday said students were applying AI to a wide range of subjects. Over the last year, searches combining AI with specific school subjects have seen remarkable growth: AI + Chemistry: increased by 50 per cent, AI + Maths: increased by 30 per cent, AI + Languages: increased by 30 per cent and AI + Grammar: increased by 20 per cent.
Google explained that the nature of these searches indicated that students are seeking practical help. Top searched questions for mathematics include, “What is the best AI in the world for solving mathematical problems” and “How to use AI to solve math problems.”
Similarly, top searches for studying in general include queries for “AI tutor for students,” “free AI tools for studying,” and “useful AI prompts for studying,” showing a clear demand for accessible and specialised AI-powered educational tools.
The interest in AI extends beyond homework and exam preparation. There is a growing curiosity about the technology itself, with trending questions like “how to use ai” (+80 per cent), “what is the full meaning of AI” (+80 per cent), and “who is the father of AI” (+70 per cent) all rising in the past year.
