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Nigerian universities grapple with overcrowded classrooms, uneven access to quality tutoring, and mounting pressure on lecturers to deliver personalised support. Artificial intelligence (AI)­driven mentors (implemented via chatbots, virtual assistants, and intelligent tutoring systems) offer a scalable solution, dynamically adapting to each learner’s pace and style. Globally, such systems have been shown to reduce student anxiety and increase motivation by providing immediate, non‑judgmental feedback. In Nigeria, pilot projects at institutions like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Al‑Hikmah University are already testing AI mentors’ capacity to augment traditional advising and bridge educational gaps. This article examines the evidence on AI mentors’ academic impact and explores institutional and ethical considerations critical to their sustainable adoption in Nigerian higher education.
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Personalized Academic Mentorship and Learning Outcomes

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) powered by AI tailor content in real time, identifying student strengths, flagging misconceptions, and adjusting question difficulty; functionality shown to increase retention and test performance. In a mixed‑methods study at UNN, AI‑chatbot use led to measurable gains in knowledge construction and critical reasoning, though some students exhibited over‑reliance that hampered deeper engagement. Likewise, a LinkedIn‑reported trial of GPT‑4 as an after‑school tutor in Nigerian secondary schools produced learning improvements equivalent to two years of conventional instruction over just six weeks. AI mentors also provide emotional scaffolding (offering 24/7 availability, patient explanations, and anxiety‑reduction strategies) which Li and Jan (2023) found to correlate with lower stress and higher study efficiency among students. Furthermore, administrative research confirms that AI tools free lecturers from routine tasks, allowing them to focus on one‑on‑one mentoring and curriculum design.
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Institutional Readiness and Ethical Imperatives

Despite clear pedagogical benefits, widespread AI mentor deployment faces significant hurdles. Many Nigerian campuses still contend with unreliable power, limited broadband, and insufficient hardware; issues underscored in national STEM‑education analyses. Stakeholder interviews at Al‑Hikmah University reveal enthusiasm for AI‑powered chatbots’ efficiency, personalization, and 24/7 support, yet also highlight fears around data privacy, diminished human interaction, and potential technical failures. To address these concerns, institutions must invest in digital infrastructure, establish clear data‑governance policies, and provide comprehensive training for both faculty and students. Moreover, the imminent launch of Nigeria’s first AI‑focused university in Epe signals a national commitment to AI‑driven education, but success will depend on embedding ethical guidelines and stakeholder participation in every phase of implementation.
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Conclusion

AI mentors hold transformative potential for Nigerian higher education: enhancing personalised support, boosting academic outcomes, and alleviating lecturer workloads. Empirical evidence from trials and mixed‑methods research demonstrates both significant learning gains and the necessity of mitigating over‑reliance. Achieving sustainable impact will require coordinated efforts: upgrading digital infrastructure, crafting robust policy frameworks, and fostering stakeholder buy‑in through training and transparent governance. As Nigeria readies to inaugurate its first AI‑dedicated university and expand AI integration across curricula, thoughtful implementation of AI mentoring systems can help bridge educational gaps and prepare students for a technology‑driven future.
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This article was first published on 24th April 2025
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preciousgift-nwaeze

Preciousgift is an exceptionally gifted Nigerian writer with a robust theological background and an unwavering passion for gospel music. Alongside crafting uplifting gospel content, he demonstrates expertise in writing about education, communication, and technology, showcasing his remarkable versatility across various subjects.

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