THE IMPACT OF AI TOOLS ON TERTIARY INSTITUTION STUDENTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY. (A CASE STUDY OF NEWGATE UNIVERSITY MINNA)

This study investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools on students in tertiary institutions, with a specific focus on Newgate University Minna. AI tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Quillbot are increasingly integrated into academic activities, offering support in writing, comprehension, and research. However, concerns persist regarding plagiarism, misinformation, infrastructural challenges, and over-reliance on technology. A descriptive survey research design was employed to gather data from 176 undergraduate students selected through simple random sampling. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires, while secondary data were drawn from scholarly works and institutional reports. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency tables, percentages, and chi-square tests. The findings revealed that ChatGPT is the most widely used AI tool, followed by Grammarly and Quillbot, with students reporting improved academic performance, better time management, and enhanced comprehension. Results further indicated significant relationships between AI usage and academic outcomes. Nonetheless, barriers such as poor internet access, high subscription costs, plagiarism risks, and misinformation were highlighted as major challenges. The study concludes that while AI tools enhance learning, their responsible and ethical use is crucial. It recommends AI literacy programs, improved digital infrastructure, and faculty-specific guidelines to maximize benefits and minimize risks.