Education
World Literacy Day 2025: AI's double-edged sword in the battle for true education
Written By: Louis Odianose Pius
08 Sep 2025 05:33 PM
As the world marks International Literacy Day under the theme "Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era," a stark warning from Professor Patrick Oromareghake echoes across global forums: the pursuit of genuine education is waning, overshadowed by a rampant obsession with certifications.
Speaking during a chat with this online newspaper, the Nigerian academic decried how artificial intelligence (AI) is exacerbating this trend, turning formal institutions into mere diploma mills rather than crucibles for knowledge and societal problem-solving.
"Acquiring education is in the decrease while the craze for certification is in the increase," Oromareghake stated in a prepared address, emphasizing that "the majority of young ones still want to enroll into formal educational institutions not to learn and be educated but acquire certificates."
He attributed this shift to AI technologies, which he claims have relieved students and scholars of the "rigours of learning through research," fostering a superficial approach that fails to build nations or address societal ills.
Oromareghake's critique aligns closely with the day's theme, which spotlights literacy's role in navigating digital landscapes.
UNESCO's global celebration at its Paris headquarters, including the awarding of Literacy Prizes, underscores the need for inclusive, meaningful education amid technological disruption. Yet, as AI tools like ChatGPT proliferate, experts warn that the digital era risks prioritizing quick credentials over deep understanding.
Since ChatGPT's launch in late 2022, AI adoption in education has skyrocketed. A 2025 survey by Cengage Group reveals that 89% of college students use AI for homework, with 90% finding it more beneficial than traditional tutoring.
Globally, the AI education market is projected to reach $6 billion by year's end, driven by personalized learning platforms that adapt to individual needs and boost retention by up to 30%.
Educators echo some optimism. Over 50% of teachers report using AI for lesson planning, saving up to 30% of their time and enhancing student engagement. In K-12 settings, AI-powered games and adaptive systems have improved exam scores by 62% in some studies.
Universities integrating AI see a 12% rise in graduation rates, as tools like intelligent tutoring systems provide real-time feedback and tailored content.
However, Oromareghake's concerns resonate amid growing evidence of misuse. A Microsoft study shows 33% of students face plagiarism accusations due to excessive AI reliance, while 30% risk over-dependence, stunting critical thinking.
In higher education, 65% of students believe they know more about AI than their instructors, leading to a "police state of writing" where fear of detection causes stress and burnout. False positives from AI detectors, which flag human work as machine-generated up to 70% of the time, exacerbate this, disproportionately affecting non-native English speakers.
The professor highlighted how AI enables "certification without education," with students bypassing research rigors.
This trend, he argues, undermines societal progress: "The trend has not worked well in formal education to build a nation and solve problems of society."
While Oromareghake's views, though not widely documented in mainstream sources, mirror broader debates, his calls for a return to "human-centric education," where AI augments, not replaces, rigorous learning.
"We must foster critical thinking and problem-solving," he urged, aligning with UNESCO's push for multilingual, inclusive literacy to promote peace and understanding.
The message of the 2025 World Literacy is clear: In the digital era, true literacy demands more than certificates – it requires equipping youth to wield AI responsibly, innovate ethically, and tackle real-world challenges.
Without this, Oromareghake warns, societies risk a generation certified but unprepared.
Speaking during a chat with this online newspaper, the Nigerian academic decried how artificial intelligence (AI) is exacerbating this trend, turning formal institutions into mere diploma mills rather than crucibles for knowledge and societal problem-solving.
"Acquiring education is in the decrease while the craze for certification is in the increase," Oromareghake stated in a prepared address, emphasizing that "the majority of young ones still want to enroll into formal educational institutions not to learn and be educated but acquire certificates."
He attributed this shift to AI technologies, which he claims have relieved students and scholars of the "rigours of learning through research," fostering a superficial approach that fails to build nations or address societal ills.
Oromareghake's critique aligns closely with the day's theme, which spotlights literacy's role in navigating digital landscapes.
UNESCO's global celebration at its Paris headquarters, including the awarding of Literacy Prizes, underscores the need for inclusive, meaningful education amid technological disruption. Yet, as AI tools like ChatGPT proliferate, experts warn that the digital era risks prioritizing quick credentials over deep understanding.
Since ChatGPT's launch in late 2022, AI adoption in education has skyrocketed. A 2025 survey by Cengage Group reveals that 89% of college students use AI for homework, with 90% finding it more beneficial than traditional tutoring.
Globally, the AI education market is projected to reach $6 billion by year's end, driven by personalized learning platforms that adapt to individual needs and boost retention by up to 30%.
Educators echo some optimism. Over 50% of teachers report using AI for lesson planning, saving up to 30% of their time and enhancing student engagement. In K-12 settings, AI-powered games and adaptive systems have improved exam scores by 62% in some studies.
Universities integrating AI see a 12% rise in graduation rates, as tools like intelligent tutoring systems provide real-time feedback and tailored content.
However, Oromareghake's concerns resonate amid growing evidence of misuse. A Microsoft study shows 33% of students face plagiarism accusations due to excessive AI reliance, while 30% risk over-dependence, stunting critical thinking.
In higher education, 65% of students believe they know more about AI than their instructors, leading to a "police state of writing" where fear of detection causes stress and burnout. False positives from AI detectors, which flag human work as machine-generated up to 70% of the time, exacerbate this, disproportionately affecting non-native English speakers.
The professor highlighted how AI enables "certification without education," with students bypassing research rigors.
This trend, he argues, undermines societal progress: "The trend has not worked well in formal education to build a nation and solve problems of society."
While Oromareghake's views, though not widely documented in mainstream sources, mirror broader debates, his calls for a return to "human-centric education," where AI augments, not replaces, rigorous learning.
"We must foster critical thinking and problem-solving," he urged, aligning with UNESCO's push for multilingual, inclusive literacy to promote peace and understanding.
The message of the 2025 World Literacy is clear: In the digital era, true literacy demands more than certificates – it requires equipping youth to wield AI responsibly, innovate ethically, and tackle real-world challenges.
Without this, Oromareghake warns, societies risk a generation certified but unprepared.
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