Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools predicts academic performance among undergraduates in two selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examines the predictive influence of ChatGPT, Grammarly, and QuillBot on students’ academic outcomes, while also assessing students’ perceptions of AI integration within their learning environment. A quantitative survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised 697 students drawn from Christopher University, Mowe, and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 320 respondents was determined and selected through a multi-stage sampling approach. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to determine the predictive strength of each AI tool. Findings reveal a statistically significant positive relationship between AI tool usage and academic performance. ChatGPT demonstrated the strongest predictive capacity (Adjusted R² = 0.277; F = 123.264; p < 0.05), indicating substantial explanatory power. Grammarly showed a moderate but significant influence (Adjusted R² = 0.101; F = 36.751; p < 0.05), particularly in improving writing quality. QuillBot recorded a positive yet comparatively weaker predictive effect (Adjusted R² = 0.085; F = 30.633; p < 0.05). Additionally, students expressed favorable perceptions of AI’s contribution to learning enhancement and assessment efficiency (x̅ = 3.90). The study concludes that AI tools significantly predict academic performance and recommends their structured integration into university instructional frameworks.

Key Words: Artificial Intelligence, Academic Performance, ChatGPT, QuillBot, Grammarly

About the Authors

*Ayoola Olalekan Ajasa, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Mass Communication at the Department of Mass Communication, Chrisland University Nigeria, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. He specialises in journalism, media studies and media marketing.

**Oladipo Oladimeju Arowa, Ph.D., is the Managing Director of Adgenda Media Ltd, Lagos, and also a lecturer at Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State. His research interests include advertising, public relations, and media development.

***Joseph Dayo Odigie, Ph.D., is the Head, Department of Mass Communication, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, Nigeria.

****Sithri Njideka Udeogaranya is a Mass Communication graduate from Christopher University, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria. She was the best graduating student of her set.

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 18, No. 1, April 2026, pp. 16-29.

© Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).

Article Citation

Ajasa, A. O., Arowa, O. O., Odigie, J. D., & Udeogaranya, S. N. (2026). Use of artificial intelligence as a predictor of academic performance among students of two selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 18 (1): 16-29.

Full Article

Words:  7,410

Pages: 14

To access full article, click on download.