PERCEIVED EFFECTIVENESS OF WHATSAPP META AI AS AN INTELLIGENT TUTORING SYSTEM FOR NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the integration of WhatsApp Meta AI as an Intelligent Tutoring
System (ITS) for undergraduate students in Nigerian public universities. Despite the growing
global adoption of AI-enhanced educational technologies, limited empirical research exists on
their effectiveness within the Nigerian higher education context, particularly about WhatsAppbased AI tools that leverage communication platforms already familiar to students. Adopting a
phenomenological approach, the study explored the lived experiences of 32 third year (300-level)
education students from public universities in Lagos State who used WhatsApp Meta AI as a
supplementary learning tool over one academic semester. Data was collected through in-depth
interviews, focus group discussions, and chat-log analysis, and were analysed thematically with
the aid of NVivo software. Findings indicate that WhatsApp Meta AI demonstrates strong potential
as an accessible ITS solution, particularly for providing immediate feedback, facilitating
personalised learning experiences, and supporting after-hours academic assistance. However,
challenges emerged in relation to internet connectivity, AI response limitations for culturally
specific content, varying levels of digital literacy, and concerns about academic integrity. The
study contributes to understanding how emerging AI technologies can be integrated into Nigerian
higher education through platforms already embedded in students’ daily communication practices
and offers practical recommendations for institutional policy and pedagogical integration.