AI Eroding Students’ Critical Thinking

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has raised concerns over the growing use of artificial intelligence by students, warning that excessive reliance on the technology could erode their critical-thinking abilities.

Ogunsola said the increasing dependence on AI tools was becoming a concern in the education sector because some students now use the technology to complete academic tasks without fully engaging with the learning process.

According to her, while artificial intelligence has significant benefits for education, students must not allow the technology to replace their ability to reason, analyse information and develop independent ideas.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that students continue to develop the intellectual skills required to question information, evaluate evidence and arrive at their own conclusions.

The Vice Chancellor’s concern comes amid the rapid adoption of generative AI tools by students and educators across higher institutions. AI platforms are increasingly being used for research, writing, explanations, brainstorming and other academic activities.

However, educators have raised concerns that students who rely heavily on AI-generated answers may gradually reduce the amount of mental effort they devote to solving problems and understanding academic concepts.

Ogunsola called for appropriate guardrails to guide the use of artificial intelligence in educational institutions. Such measures, she noted, would help students benefit from the technology without allowing it to undermine the fundamental objectives of education.

She emphasised that universities should encourage responsible AI use while ensuring that students remain actively involved in the learning process.

The Vice Chancellor’s warning also highlights the need for educational institutions to review their teaching and assessment methods as artificial intelligence becomes more accessible.

Rather than simply banning AI tools, educators may need to develop approaches that require students to demonstrate their reasoning, explain how they arrived at their answers and critically assess information generated by AI.

The development of critical thinking remains a major objective of university education, particularly as students are expected to become independent thinkers capable of making informed decisions.

Ogunsola’s comments therefore underscore the need for a balanced approach to AI adoption in higher education.

While artificial intelligence can improve access to information and support learning, students must continue to develop their own analytical, creative and problem-solving abilities.

She urged stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that technological advancement strengthens rather than weakens the intellectual development of students.