2025, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part F

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal research and training is transforming legal education globally. AI-powered tools are enhancing research efficiency, streamlining case law analysis, and improving legal education through automated assessments and personalized learning experiences. However, in Nigeria, the integration of AI in Faculties of Law remains at a nascent stage, hindered by regulatory, ethical, and infrastructural challenges. This article examines the regulatory challenges in the adoption of AI for legal research and training in Nigerian law faculties, focusing on data privacy concerns, intellectual property issues, academic integrity risks, faculty capacity deficits, and institutional bottlenecks. Using a doctrinal legal research methodology supplemented by comparative analysis, the study explores AI regulations in jurisdictions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, drawing insights for the Nigerian context. The findings reveal significant gaps in Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks, including the absence of clear AI policies, weak enforcement of data protection laws, and a lack of standardization for AI tools in legal education. To address these challenges, the study recommends developing AI-specific guidelines for legal education, revising National Universities Commission (NUC) and Council of Legal Education standards, formulating institutional AI policies, and fostering collaboration between academia, regulators, and the technology industry. Additionally, the study underscores the need for investment in local AI solutions tailored to Nigerian legal research needs. By highlighting these regulatory barriers and proposing strategic reforms, this article contributes to the ongoing discourse on technology-driven legal education in Nigeria. It provides a framework for balancing AI innovation with academic integrity and legal compliance, ensuring that Nigerian legal education remains globally competitive in the digital era.