Leveraging Generative AI for Academic Support : A Qualitative Study of University Students in Resource-Constrained Settings in Global South

Sammanfattning

The application of Artificial Intelligence in education (AIEd) has expanded rapidly, attracting significant scholarly and practical interest in recent years. Among the most transformative developments in AIEd is Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), a class of AI technologies capable of creating original content, including text, images, audio, and code. GenAI tools are enabling new ways to engage in academic activities globally, offering innovative solutions to enhance learning experiences. In the Global South, particularly in West African nations like Ghana and Nigeria, GenAI holds immense potential to address challenges in resource-constrained higher education systems. Studies show that challenges that higher institutions face in the Global South include inadequate and outdated textbooks, overcrowded classrooms, and a high student-to-teacher ratio, and these challenges hinder effective learning, motivating students to seek new ways to support learning. The cognitive functionality GenAI offers students new ways to learn effectively amid these challenges. This study adopted an abductive approach within a qualitative research design, employing semistructured interviews with 14 university students from Ghana and Nigeria. The data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and interpreted through the lens of Sociotechnical Systems Theory, supported by relevant literature. Findings reveal that students use GenAI for a variety of academic tasks, including academic content summarisation, explanation of concepts, assignment and examination preparation, brainstorming, solving STEM problems, and code generation. GenAI was found to be useful in mitigating in adequate and outdated academic resources, addressing inadequate access to lecturers and providingpersonalised, on-demand learning support. While some students reported enhanced critical thinking and academic performance, others raised concerns about overreliance and ethical uncertainty due to lack of institutional guidelines. The study shows that GenAI offers a useful academic support system for students in resource-scarce environments. However, its effective integration depends on improved digital access and AI literacy, and clearly defined ethical guidelines and institutional policies to ensure ethical and responsible use.