Onome Amuge
The Nigerian online population has shown a high level of engagement with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, with 70 percent of respondents indicating that they have used generative AI within the past year, according to a recent global survey jointly conducted by Ipsos and Google.
The study, titled: “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, and found that global AI usage has jumped to 48 percent and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57 per cent vs. 43 per cent, up from 50 percent / 50 percent last year).
The report observed that AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher in Nigeria, as 70 percent of the Nigerian online population used generative AI, surpassing the 48 percent global average. In addition, 87 percent of users surveyed expressed optimism about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.
Among the key findings, 70 percent of survey participants from Nigeria reported having utilized generative AI in the past year, outpacing the global average of 48 percent, indicating a heightened level of adoption in the country.
The survey results also showed that a vast majority (87%) of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI. 81 percent of surveyed Nigerian adults also believe AI will positively change the economy.
In addition, the survey’s results revealed that 90 percent of respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI to bring about beneficial changes in both science and medicine, reinforcing the widely held conviction in the transformative potential of AI in these sectors. This, according to the report, is one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI.
The report also showed a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI among Nigeria’s online population when compared to other regions. This is as Nigeria was ranked among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential. This is in contrast with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.
The report also highlighted that the population in Nigeria recognised AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development. It noted that many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources.
The survey results identified the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.
Commencing on the report, Kent Walker, president of global affairs, Google & Alphabet, remarked, “AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better. The survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”
Ben Page, CEO, Ipso, also shared his observation, noting that the company’s latest multinational survey with Google shows that people view the continuing development of AI as important and exciting, but something that should be done thoughtfully.
“We find that as more people use and gain experience with AI, they are better able to see how AI can help them and the possibilities that AI gives them. These results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI,” Page stated.
