ANALYSIS OF CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LEGAL EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal education in Nigeria against the rapid technological advancement and increasing global reliance on digital learning tools. Traditionally, legal education in Nigeria relied on orthodox teaching methods, heavy doctrinal instruction, and manual legal research. However, the emergence of AI-powered platforms for legal research, drafting, case analysis, and learning support began to reshape how law was taught and learned, raising important questions about effectiveness, ethics, and regulation in that regard. The paper seeks to critically analyse the contemporary issues surrounding the use of AI in Nigerian legal education, with particular emphasis on its conceptual foundations, practical applications, challenges, and future prospects. The paper sought to assess whether AI could enhance legal training without undermining academic integrity, professional competence, or the set ethical standards. This article adopted a doctrinal and analytical methodology, relying on a critical review of existing literature, policy documents, comparative experiences from jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and South Africa, and an evaluation of emerging AI platforms tailored to African legal practice. Major findings revealed that while AI holds significant potential to improve access to legal resources, research efficiency, and educational innovation, its adoption in Nigeria is constrained by infrastructural deficits, limited regulatory guidance, and concerns over over-reliance and misuse. Finally, the article recommended the structured integration of AI literacy into legal curricula, targeted capacity-building for law lecturers, the development of context-sensitive regulatory frameworks, and continuous empirical research to guide responsible and effective AI integration in Nigerian legal education.