Usage Patterns of Artificial Intelligence amongst Communication and Media Studies Students in Plateau State, Nigeria

Communication and media studies, which is a content production, information delivering and audience interacting discipline, are now increasingly meeting with AI in a way that is transforming the practice of communication and media education. While AI delivers new possibilities-from automated writing and content editing to data-driven audience analysis-its adoption amongst university students in Plateau state remains uneven and underexplored. The study investigates the use of Artificial Intelligence by communication and media studies students in Plateau state, Nigeria. A survey research design was used, with a population of 1,680 Media and Communication students enrolled in University of Jos and Plateau State University. Data were obtained from 323 respondents drawn using Yamane's (1967) formula and proportionate stratified sampling technique from the institutions. A structured questionnaire and descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used for data collection and analysis. Overall, the findings indicated a high level of awareness, availability, and willingness to use AI tools (M = 3.21, 3.05, and 3.16). It was further observed that usage patterns were selective, with AI primarily used in academic research (M = 3.04) and communication activities (M = 3.13), with lower usage for creative media production activities. The results of the regression showed that the adoption of AI and influencing factors (β = 0.512, p < 0.05 and β = 0.336, p < 0.05 respectively) significantly predicted usage patterns, accounting for 55.1% of the variance in the model. The study findings indicate that the use of artificial intelligence among communication and media students is not uniform, but rather segmented along different degrees of intensity of its use and differentiated influencing conditions in the academic context. It suggests curriculum integration, structured training, enhancing digital infrastructure and establishing ethical principles for effective and responsible use.

Artificial Intelligence, Usage Patterns, Communication and Media Studies, Technology Adoption.

1. Abubakar, U., Onasanya, S., & Ibrahim, H. (2024). Student perspectives and impact of AI integration in pedagogical practices in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research. https://doi.org/10.25082/amler.2024.02.008 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Adebiyi, S. A., Tolulope, I. A., & Boluwaji, S. O. (2025). Chatbots, AI Tutors and Smart Learning: Assessing the adoption of AI-powered learning tools in tertiary institutions. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Development. https://doi.org/10.59568/amjd-2025-13-2-07 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ajani, Y., Olaniyi, A. M., Ayegun, I. B., Malik, F. O., Jagaba, I. A., Ahmed, A. O., Busari, S. A., Echezona, R. I., Saidu, Z. A., & Dangana, R. (2025). Artificial intelligence competency among academics in Nigeria: A roadmap for ethical usage in the fifth industrial revolution (5IR). Alexandria: The Journal of National and International Library and Information Issues. https://doi.org/10.1177/09557490251393037 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Alimi, A. E., Buraimoh, O. F., Aladesusi, G., & Babalola, E. (2021). University Students’ Awareness of, Access to, and use of Artificial Intelligence for Learning in Kwara State. Indonesian Journal of Teaching in Science. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijotis.v1i2.38014 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Asemah, E. S., Nkwam-Uwaoma, A. O. & Sabo, S. S. (2023). Research and tactics in public relations and advertising. Jos: University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Asemah, E. S., Nwammuo, A. N. & Nkwam-Uwaoma, A. O. A. (2017). Theories and models of communication. Jos: University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Atoi, N. E. (2024). Language and communication implication of artificial intelligence on selected Nigerian university undergraduates. UJAH: Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities. https://doi.org/10.4314/ujah.v25i1.5 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Ayelaagbe, S. (2025). Adoption of chatbots in Nigerian higher education: perceptions and academic utilization at Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Development. https://doi.org/10.59568/kjhs-2025-5-1-16 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Bal, S., & Tanışık, S. (2025). Education and artificial intelligence in communication studies: A technical-practical-ethical discussion in students’ experience of use. ARTS: Artuklu Sanat ve Beşeri Bilimler Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.46372/arts.1585826 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Bali, B., Garba, E., Ahmadu, A., Takwate, K. T., & Malgwi, Y. (2024). Analysis of emerging trends in artificial intelligence for education in Nigeria. Discover Artificial Intelligence, 4. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-024-00163-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Bashir, A. S., Inusa, B. A., & Mahmud, A. I. (2025). Influence of artificial intelligence on leadership communication and emotional intelligence in public colleges of education in Plateau State, Nigeria. Journal Of Digital Learning and Distance Education. https://doi.org/10.56778/jdlde.v4i5.579 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Bello Semiu, Salaudeen, A., & Umeaku, P. (2023). A survey of awareness and adoption of artificial intelligence journalism among Lagos and Kwara States journalists. The Indonesian Journal of Communication Studies. https://doi.org/10.31315/ijcs.v16i2.10282 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Chidinma, A. E., & Yinka, K. R. (2025). Undergraduate students’ perception of artificial intelligence for enhancing educational practices: Opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations. Global Journal of Social Sciences Studies. https://doi.org/10.55284/gjss.v11i1.1411 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. David-Olawade, A., Wada, O., Adeniji, Y., Aderupoko, I. V., & Olawade, D. (2025). Artificial intelligence readiness among healthcare students in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study assessing knowledge gaps, exposure, and adoption willingness. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 204, 106085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2025.106085 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Eleje, L., Ezeugo, N., Esomonu, N., Metu, I., Anierobi, E., Mbelede, N., Nwosu, K., Ezeonwumelu, V., Ufearo, F., & Eleje, G. (2025). Artificial intelligence adoption in higher education in Nigeria. Discover Artificial Intelligence, 5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-025-00452-0 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Emefiele, D. C. (2025). Adoption of artificial intelligence for 21st century skills acquisition in business education programme in Nigeria. Knowledgeable Research A Multidisciplinary Journal. https://doi.org/10.57067/2k4hhk03 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Falebita, O., & Kok, P. J. (2024). Artificial Intelligence Tools Usage: A Structural Equation Modeling of Undergraduates’ Technological Readiness, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes. Journal for STEM Education Research, 8, 257–282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-024-00132-1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Festus, O., & Emmanuel, O. B. (2024). Sociocultural and Digital Communication Challenges in AI Adoption for Classroom Communication: Insights from Nigerian Colleges of Education. Language, Technology, and Social Media. https://doi.org/10.70211/ltsm.v3i1.115 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Guanah, J., Agbanu, V., & Obi, I. (2020). ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND JOURNALISM PRACTICE IN NIGERIA: PERCEPTION OF JOURNALISTS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE. International Review of Humanities Studies. https://doi.org/10.7454/irhs.v0i0.268 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Hamzat, A. A., & Ansah, S. D. (2025). Artificial intelligence awareness and readiness among undergraduate students in Kwara State universities Nigeria. Journal of Educational Management and Instruction (JEMIN). https://doi.org/10.22515/jemin.v5i2.11988 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Hillary, A. N., Adeline, I. I., & Chiegbuodo, N. E. (2025). The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Enhancing Public Communication in Nigerian Universities: Focus at Federal Universities in South East Nigeria. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CURRENT ISSUES IN ARTS AND MANAGEMENT. https://doi.org/10.59298/nijciam/2025/6.2.13220 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Ngonso, B., Egielewa, P., Egenti, G., Uduehi, I., Sunny-Duke, F., Ukhurebor, K., Onwusinkwue, S., Odezuligbo, I., Abiodun, A., Talabi, A. A., Jokthan, G., Opateye, J., Nwankwo, U. C., Eneche, B. M., & Osemengbe, U. (2025). Influence of artificial intelligence on educational performance of Nigerian students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development. https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd9949 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Nwile, C., Amaewhule, E. C., & Ezeugo, C. R. (2025). Utilization of Artificial Intelligence Tools for Improving Educational Outcomes of Students in Public Universities in Rivers State, Nigeria. African Journal of Humanities and Contemporary Education Research. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajhcer.2025.019.01021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Nwodu, E., Obiora., A. & Agbachukwu. P. (2025). Communication Students’ Perception of AI in Planning, Creating and Disseminating Advertisement. African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.52589/ajsshr-w41ps6hn [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Nwodu. E., (2025). Awareness and Perception of the Use of Artificial Intelligence for Learning Among Select Communication Undergraduates in Nigeria. African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.52589/ajsshr-qke2a0eg [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Obiora A., Nwammuo. S., & Nwanmuo., N. (2025). Perception of Communication Scholars on Adoption and Usage of ChatGPT for Media Studies. British Journal of Mass Communication and Media Research. https://doi.org/10.52589/bjmcmr-sbh8bfe4 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Ododo, E. P., Effiong Asuquo, O., Ofonime Uduakobong, O., & Etim, E. (2024). UNMASKING AI: HOW MEDIA SHAPES STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS TECHNOLOGY. The American Journal of Interdisciplinary Innovations and Research. https://doi.org/10.37547/tajiir/volume06issue09-04 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Okolie, U., & Egbon, T. N. (2025). ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND TEACHINGLEARNING PROCESS IN EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, ABRAKA. Journal Plus Education. https://doi.org/10.24250/jpe/1/2025/uc/tne/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Olawade, D., David-Olawade, A. C., Rotifa, O., & Wada, O. (2025). Artificial intelligence in Nigerian nursing education: Are future nurses prepared for the digital revolution in healthcare? Nurse Education in Practice, 87, 104511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2025.104511 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Olufunminiyi Akinyemi, A., Sunday Ojuri, O., & Anthonia Adekemi, O. (2025). Assessing Undergraduates’ Perceptions of Use of AI Generative Tools for Academic Activities in Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Middle East Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.36348/merjhss.2025.v05i05.003 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Oluwadiya, K., Adeoti, A., Agodirin, S., Nottidge, T., Usman, M. I., Gali, M., Onyemaechi, N., Ramat, A., Adedire, A., & Zakari, L. Y. (2023). Exploring artificial intelligence in the Nigerian medical educational space: An online cross-sectional study of perceptions, risks and benefits among students and lecturers from ten universities. Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 30, 285–292. https://doi.org/10.4103/npmj.npmj_186_23 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Onwubere, C. H., & Osuji, H. (2021). Usage of Geospatial Data and Artificial Intelligence Technologies and Evolution of Social Practices among Nigerian Youths. https://doi.org/10.4000/ctd.5525 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Orok, E., Okaramee, C., Egboro, B., Egbochukwu, E., Bello, K., Etukudo, S., Ogologo, M.-S., Onyeka, P., Etukokwu, O., Kolawole, M., Orire, A., Ekada, I., & Akawa, O. A. (2024). Pharmacy students’ perception and knowledge of chat-based artificial intelligence tools at a Nigerian University. BMC Medical Education, 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-06255-8 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Owan, V., Chukwu, C. O., Agama, V., Owan, T. J., Ogar, J., & Etorti, I. (2025). Acceptance and use of artificial intelligence for self-directed research learning among postgraduate students in Nigerian public universities. Discover Education, 4. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00770-6 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Rina, N. (2023). Artificial Intelligence Use as Communication Media in Learning Activity for Senior High School. Jurnal Ilmiah LISKI (Lingkar Studi Komunikasi). https://doi.org/10.25124/liski.v9i2.6675 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Shata, A., & Hartley, K. (2025). Artificial intelligence and communication technologies in academia: faculty perceptions and the adoption of generative AI. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-025-00511-7 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Suleiman, Y. (2024). Students’ Readiness for the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Support Services: Qualitative Evidence from Al-Hikmah University, Nigeria. Journal of Education in Black Sea Region. https://doi.org/10.31578/jebs.v9i2.318 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Uche. O., Obiora., A., & Nwabudike. C. (2025). Ethical Considerations and Applications of AI-Generated Content in Communication and Media Studies in Nigeria. British Journal of Contemporary Education. https://doi.org/10.52589/bjce-uweip6rz [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Umukoro, S. O., Akinbode, G., & Okeowo Obalolu, D. (2025). Psychological Antecedents of Adoption and Use of Artificial Intelligence Among University of Lagos Students. LASU Journal of Employment Relations &amp; Human Resource Management. https://doi.org/10.36108/ljerhrm/5202.50.0110 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Communication Strategies among Promoters During MATTA Fair 2025
• An Examination of Colleen Ballinger’s Experience in Social Media: Cancel Culture Chronicle
• Communication Patterns in Conflict Interactions in Premarital Couples Who Are in Abusive Relationships
• Social Media Use on Mental Health Outcomes among Adolescents and Young Adults in Port Harcourt City
• (Un)Successful Error Repairs in L2 Communication