Nigeria Tops Global AI Adoption in Learning, Entrepreneurship – Google Reveals

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that Nigeria is emerging as a global leader in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in learning, work and entrepreneurship, according to a new report jointly released by Google and Ipsos.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the disclosure was contained in a statement made available on Tuesday to the News Agency of Nigeria by Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade.

According to Kola-Ogunlade, the report titled “Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People” reveals that Nigerians are embracing AI tools at an exceptional pace, while also expressing strong optimism about the technology’s potential to transform education, careers and economic opportunities.

The report shows that 88 per cent of Nigerian adults have used an AI chatbot, an 18-point increase from 2024 and significantly above the global average of 62 per cent, placing Nigeria at the forefront of AI adoption worldwide.

“It is inspiring to see how Nigerians are creatively and purposefully using AI to unlock opportunities for learning, growth and economic empowerment,” Kola-Ogunlade said.

“This report goes beyond high adoption rates; it tells the story of a nation actively shaping its future with technology,” he added.

The findings further indicate that AI has become a critical tool for learning and professional development in Nigeria. 

According to the report, 93 per cent of Nigerian AI users rely on the technology to better understand complex topics, compared to 74 per cent globally, while 91 per cent use AI tools to support their work.

In the area of entrepreneurship and career development, the report notes that 80 per cent of Nigerians have applied AI to explore new business ideas or consider career changes, nearly double the global average of 42 per cent. 

This, the report suggests, reflects the growing role of AI in driving innovation and self-employment in the country.

The report also highlights widespread optimism about AI’s impact on education. It found that 91 per cent of Nigerians believe AI positively influences learning and access to information, far above the global average of 65 per cent.

Kola-Ogunlade added that 95 per cent of respondents believe university students and educators will benefit significantly from AI tools, underscoring confidence in the technology’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s education system.

Overall, Nigerians were found to be far more optimistic about AI than their global counterparts. The report revealed that 80 per cent of Nigerians are excited about the possibilities AI presents, compared to 20 per cent who expressed concerns about the technology.

“This excitement rises to 90 per cent among Nigerians who use AI frequently in their daily lives,” Kola-Ogunlade said, noting that the findings reflect a growing national enthusiasm for leveraging AI as a catalyst for learning, innovation and economic growth.