Artificial Intelligence (AI) Powered Tools Usage: Constraint on Students’ Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills in Universities and Colleges of Education in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the effect of Artificial intelligence powered tools usage on the creativity and problem solving skills of students in universities and colleges of education in Delta State, Nigeria. It was guided by two research questions.  The ex- post facto research design was used. The population was all the universities and colleges of education students in Delta State during the 2024/2025 academic session. A sample of 1,000 students was drawn for the study through the stratified random sampling technique. The collection of data was with the use of a questionnaire titled: “Artificial Intelligence Usage in Higher Education Institutions Questionnaire” (AIUHEIQ). Three experts validated the questionnaire. It reliability was confirmed with the test‑re-test method which gave a Cronbach coefficient value of 0.75. The percentages, mean scores and standard deviations were used to analyze the data at a decision criterion of 2.50. The findings revealed that AI‑powered tools usage in universities and colleges of education do not limit students’ creativity and problem solving abilities. Instead, these tools enhance academic productivity, support generation of ideas, and improve students’ writing quality. Thus it was recommended among others that the government, academia, the private sector and the communities should form multi‑stakeholder partnerships aimed to design, fund and run AI initiatives, in the educational institutions.