A new report by Google and Ipsos has revealed that Nigeria is leading in global adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in learning, work, and entrepreneurship.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s communications and public affairs manager for West Africa.

Mr Kola-Ogunlade said the report titled “Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People” showed that Nigerians are embracing AI tools at an exceptional rate and are highly optimistic about the technology’s future.

According to the report, 88 per cent of Nigerian adults have used an AI chatbot, representing an 18-point increase from 2024 and significantly higher than the global average of 62 per cent.

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

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

Mr Kola-Ogunlade added that the report findings showed that AI had become a major tool for learning and professional development in Nigeria.

He said 93 per cent of users rely on it to understand complex topics, compared to 74 per cent globally, and 91 per cent of Nigerians use AI to assist with their work.

Mr Kola-Ogunlade said the report also indicated that 80 per cent of Nigerians applied it to explore new business ideas or career changes, almost double the global average of 42 per cent.

“The report highlighted strong optimism about AI’s role in education, with 91 per cent of Nigerians believing it has a positive impact on learning and access to information, compared to 65 per cent globally.”

According to Mr Kola-Ogunlade, the report shows that 95 per cent of respondents believe university students and educators will benefit from AI tools.

He said Nigerians are significantly more optimistic about AI than their global counterparts, with 80 per cent expressing excitement about its possibilities, against 20 per cent who are concerned.

“This excitement rises to 90 per cent among Nigerians who use AI frequently in their daily lives,” he said.

(NAN)