ADOPTION, USE AND INFLUENCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS OF LENS POLYTECHNIC OFFA

This study examined adoption, use and influence of artificial intelligence tools on the academic performance of students of Lens Polytechnic Offa. Five (5) objectives guided the study. The study adopted a survey research method, and a structured questionnaire was used as the research instrument. The population of the study comprised students of Lens Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, and a total of 371 students responded to questionnaire administered. The questionnaires were administered via google forms to ensure wider coverage, participation and accuracy. Data analysis was done through frequency tables and percentages. Findings showed that majority of students at Lens Polytechnic Offa are highly aware of AI tools such as ChatGPT and other academic support applications. Most students reported frequent use of these tools for coursework, assignments, and study purposes, indicating that AI adoption is widespread and integrated into their daily academic activities.Students’ perceptions indicate that AI tools positively influence their academic performance. A significant proportion of respondents agreed that AI tools help them understand difficult topics, complete assignments more efficiently, and improve their grades.The study identified several positive effects of AI tools on academic achievements. Students reported that AI tools assist in generating ideas for essays, improving grammar and sentence structure, summarizing lecture notes, and facilitating understanding of complex concepts. These benefits contribute to improved productivity, confidence, and overall academic success. Despite the benefits, the study found some negative impacts of AI tools. Respondents highlighted occasional inaccuracies in AI-generated information, high internet costs, network instability, and over-reliance on AI, which can reduce critical thinking. The study concludes that students of Lens Polytechnic Offa are highly aware of and actively use AI tools to support their academic work, including assignments, research, and understanding difficult concepts. AI tools positively influence academic performance by improving grades, enhancing confidence, and developing research and problem-solving skills. However, challenges such as occasional inaccuracies, high internet costs, network instability, and over-reliance on AI were identified. And recommendation were also made that students should be encouraged to use AI tools responsibly, balancing their use with independent critical thinking to avoid over-reliance and ensure the development of analytical skills