ETHICAL ISSUES AND DIGITAL LITERACY IN USING GENERATIVE AI IN EDUCATION: A STUDY OF KADUNA CENTRAL

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, particularly the emergence of generative AI tools, has transformed teaching, learning, and research practices in higher education globally. In Nigeria, however, the integration of these tools raises concerns related to ethical use, digital literacy, and institutional readiness. This study examined the levels of digital literacy, perceived ethical concerns, and policy needs surrounding generative AI adoption among academic staff, non-academic staff, and students in selected tertiary institutions within Kaduna Central Senatorial District. The purpose was to assess readiness for responsible AI use and develop policy recommendations to ensure its ethical integration in higher education. A survey research design was employed, involving both online and physical administration of questionnaires. The study population consisted of 65,000 individuals, from which a purposive and stratified random sampling technique was applied to select a sample size of 400 respondents (21 academic staff, 31 non-academic staff, and 348 students). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation, and chi-square tests, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed significant gaps in digital literacy, particularly among non-academic staff, with 42% of respondents reporting limited competence in AI-related skills. Ethical concerns such as plagiarism, data privacy, and academic dishonesty were highlighted by over 68% of respondents. Institutional readiness for AI adoption was found to be low, with inadequate training structures and absence of formal AI policies. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive policy frameworks, curriculum integration of AI ethics, and regular capacity-building programs. The study concludes that balancing AI adoption with robust ethical safeguards and enhanced digital literacy is crucial for sustainable educational innovation. Recommendations include institutional policy enforcement, integration of AI ethics into curricula, and collaboration between policymakers and technology companies for safe AI adoption in Nigerian tertiary institutions.