Generative AI Tools and Open Science Practices in Nigerian Academic Institutions

Abstract

This study explores the potentials of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and Open Science practices in Nigerian academic institutions. The study was conceived as result of a Webinar organized during the International Open Access Week 2024 by The Digital Librarian’s Upskill and Connect Village and Libsense Open Science Nigeria, tagged: "Community over Commercialization."  A total of 91 respondents were used, comprising faculty members (45), students (34), and administrators (12) across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Data for the study were collected through google form and administered to participants via various social media platforms and emails. Google Forms analytics tool used to analyze the data, which were presented in tables using frequency counts and simple percentages. The result of study revealed that the Webinar significantly improved the understanding of the participants on the potential applications of Generative AI tools and Open Science in Research. It was concluded that the integration of generative AI tools and open science practices in Nigerian academic institutions presents a significant opportunity for fostering research innovation, increasing collaboration, and advancing scholarly impact. It was recommended that Nigerian academic institutions should prioritize investment in robust AI infrastructure to support the implementation of generative AI tools effectively, there is a need to organize regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions on generative AI tools and open science practices to enhance the research capabilities of academics and students among others.