Artificial intelligence in higher education: Nacala Extension students’ perceptions of its use in academic activities and academic performance

Artificial intelligence in higher education: Nacala Extension students’ perceptions of its use in academic activities and academic performance

Authors

  • Paulo Luis de Castro Cardoso Universidade Católica de Moçambique
  • Amina Chande Mualimo Neto Universidade Católica de Moçambique - Moçambique

Keywords:

Inteligência Artificial, Ensino Superior, Desempenho Académico

Abstract

Introduction: This study analysed Nacala Porto Extension students’ perceptions of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic activities and its perceived impact on academic performance. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire organised into thematic blocks on knowledge, use, usefulness, ethical implications, and the impact of AI. Results: The findings show that 97.1% of students had heard of AI and 83.8% had already used tools such as ChatGPT or Grammarly. Most respondents believe that AI facilitates learning and helps them understand academic content, although full trust in AI-generated information remains limited. Students identified benefits in writing assignments, organising study routines, and meeting deadlines, but also acknowledged risks such as dependency, plagiarism, and reduced intellectual autonomy. Conclusion: AI is perceived as a useful tool in higher education; however, its integration requires institutional regulation, ethical training, and pedagogical guidance to ensure critical and responsible use.

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Author Biographies

Paulo Luis de Castro Cardoso, Universidade Católica de Moçambique

Mestre em Administração e Gestão de Negócios (MBA) e Assistente Universitário da Universidade Católica de Moçambique. Exerce funções de coordenação de centro de investigação e pesquisa da UCM – Extensão de Nacala. Desenvolve actividade académica e de investigação nas áreas de Gestão e Análise de Dados, com experiência em investigação científica, orientação de trabalhos académicos e produção científica.

Amina Chande Mualimo Neto, Universidade Católica de Moçambique - Moçambique

Mestre em Administração e Gestão de Negócios pela Universidade Católica de Moçambique (UCM). Exerce a função de Coordenadora do Departamento de Qualidade Institucional da UCM – Extensão de Nacala. Desenvolve actividade académica e profissional nas áreas de gestão, qualidade institucional e gestão de recursos humanos. Possui experiência em docência, investigação científica, orientação de trabalhos académicos e produção científica

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Published

16-09-2026

How to Cite

de Castro Cardoso, P. L., & Neto, A. C. M. (2026). Artificial intelligence in higher education: Nacala Extension students’ perceptions of its use in academic activities and academic performance: Artificial intelligence in higher education: Nacala Extension students’ perceptions of its use in academic activities and academic performance. NJINGA&SEPÉ: evista nternacional e ulturas, Línguas fricanas rasileiras, 6(4), 222–242. etrieved from https://revistas.unilab.edu.br/njingaesape/article/view/2748