Universities battle AI-assisted cheating as smart glasses become harder to detect

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has taken a controversial turn in China, where universities are grappling with a new form of examination malpractice involving AI-powered smart glasses capable of photographing question papers and generating answers within seconds.

The technology has sparked widespread debate among educators, technology experts and policymakers, who warn that wearable AI devices could fundamentally change the way examinations are conducted if stronger safeguards are not introduced.

The issue gained renewed attention after a student at South China Agricultural University in Guangzhou was reportedly caught using AI-enabled smart glasses during an examination. According to Chinese media reports, an examination invigilator noticed an unusual green reflection through the student’s lenses shortly after the test began and requested that the glasses be removed.

The student later admitted the glasses were equipped with artificial intelligence functions capable of capturing examination questions and retrieving answers almost instantly.

Reports indicate the smart glasses contained integrated AI systems capable of recognising text, analysing questions and providing solutions without requiring voice commands. By simply touching the side of the frame, users could discreetly capture images of examination papers while the device processed the information using cloud-based AI models.

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Investigations by Chinese media suggest that some versions of the technology combine multiple AI language models to improve response accuracy and speed, making them significantly more sophisticated than earlier generations of wearable devices.

The incident has highlighted growing concerns that AI-powered wearable technology is becoming increasingly difficult to detect. Unlike smartphones or tablets, many modern smart glasses closely resemble ordinary prescription eyewear, making visual identification challenging for examination supervisors.

Education experts say improvements in miniaturised cameras, wireless connectivity and AI processing mean future devices could become virtually indistinguishable from conventional glasses.

The controversy has also fuelled a growing online market for AI smart glasses. Chinese media reports indicate that some online vendors now advertise short-term rentals of AI-enabled eyewear specifically during examination periods, while others provide user guides explaining how to minimise screen brightness, silence device notifications and conceal operational indicators.

Technology specialists warn that although the devices have legitimate applications—including language translation, navigation, accessibility support and hands-free communication—their misuse during examinations threatens academic fairness and the credibility of educational qualifications.

Universities across China have responded by reviewing examination security procedures. Some institutions are considering stricter inspections of wearable devices before examinations, while others are exploring AI-assisted invigilation systems, radio-frequency detection equipment and enhanced surveillance technologies to identify unauthorised electronic devices.

Experts argue that examination authorities worldwide may soon face similar challenges as AI-powered wearable devices become more affordable and widely available.

The emergence of these technologies has also reignited debate over the future of examinations. Education specialists say institutions may increasingly shift towards assessments that emphasise critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and practical application of knowledge—skills that are less susceptible to AI-assisted cheating.

Artificial intelligence developers have repeatedly stressed that AI tools are designed to support learning, research and productivity rather than facilitate academic dishonesty. They have urged schools and universities to develop clear policies governing the responsible use of AI technologies in educational settings.

As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, education authorities are under growing pressure to modernise examination systems while ensuring that technological innovation does not undermine trust in academic qualifications.

Universities battle AI-assisted cheating as smart glasses become harder to detect

Trump limits Nigerian, other foreign students to four-year US stay under new visa rule

The Trump administration has introduced a major overhaul of the United States student visa system, limiting most foreign students, including Nigerian students, and exchange visitors to a maximum stay of four years unless they obtain approval from the federal government to extend their stay.

The new regulation, finalised by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), brings an end to the decades-old “duration of status” (D/S) policy, which allowed international students on F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic or exchange programmes, provided they maintained their legal immigration status.

Under the revised rule, most international students and exchange visitors will now be admitted for a fixed period of up to four years. Students whose programmes extend beyond that period—including many pursuing doctoral, medical and research-based degrees—must apply for an extension before their authorised stay expires or risk losing their lawful immigration status.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the new policy is aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement, reducing visa overstays and enhancing national security by replacing the open-ended admission system with a fixed period of stay.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the previous “duration of status” policy had remained in place for nearly five decades and created opportunities for abuse of the immigration system.

“For nearly half a century, the outdated ‘duration of status’ system has compromised national security and created an environment ripe for immigration fraud,” Mullin said.

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The department acknowledged that some international students may face challenges completing their academic programmes within the new timeframe, noting that many bachelor’s degree programmes now take longer than four years, while doctoral programmes often require six years or more to complete.

In addition to the four-year admission limit, the regulation introduces stricter controls over programme changes, school transfers and post-study immigration procedures.

Graduate students will face tighter restrictions when changing academic programmes or transferring institutions, while the grace period granted after completing studies has been reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Students planning to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) beyond their authorised stay may also be required to obtain additional approval from immigration authorities.

The new rule is expected to affect thousands of Nigerian students studying in American universities, as well as prospective applicants seeking admission into undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the United States.

Education experts say the changes could particularly affect students enrolled in programmes that typically extend beyond four years, increasing administrative requirements and uncertainty over visa renewals.

The regulation has drawn criticism from universities and international education organisations.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators described the policy as unnecessary, warning that it could discourage talented international students from choosing the United States as a study destination.

NAFSA Executive Director Fanta Aw argued that the long-standing “duration of status” framework had functioned effectively for decades and that replacing it with fixed admission periods would increase bureaucracy, create uncertainty and weaken America’s competitiveness in global higher education.

Higher education leaders have also expressed concern that the policy could reduce international student enrolment, affect university finances, slow academic research and limit the contribution of highly skilled graduates to the US economy.

Supporters of the regulation, however, argue that fixed admission periods will strengthen immigration oversight, improve visa compliance and reduce opportunities for fraud and unlawful overstays.

The policy forms part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration agenda, which includes tighter visa screening, enhanced border security and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

For many Nigerian students planning to study in the United States, the new rule represents one of the most significant changes to the student visa system in decades and is expected to influence future education and immigration decisions.

Trump limits Nigerian, other foreign students to four-year US stay under new visa rule

FG suspends planned WAEC, NECO registration fee hike after public outcry

The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), following widespread public criticism over the planned adjustment.

The decision was announced on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education, which said it had withdrawn its earlier letter dated June 18, 2026, proposing a review of examination registration fees.

According to the ministry, the suspension is intended to allow for wider consultations with education stakeholders before any final decision is taken, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparent, inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.

The ministry explained that although the proposal was driven by the rising cost of conducting credible public examinations, feedback from parents, students, school owners, labour unions and other stakeholders made it necessary to pause implementation and seek broader consensus.

It noted that the cost of organising national examinations has increased significantly in recent years due to inflation and higher operational expenses, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance, supervision, transportation and other critical services required to maintain the integrity of the examinations.

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Officials said the existing registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite these mounting costs, prompting discussions on the need for a review to ensure the long-term sustainability of the examination system.

Reports had indicated that the proposed adjustment would have increased the registration fee for both WAEC and NECO examinations to about ₦50,000 per candidate, a development that generated widespread concern among Nigerians who argued that many families are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Responding to the public reaction, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be suspended pending extensive consultations with critical stakeholders across the education sector.

The ministry said the decision demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of students and their families are carefully reviewed and reflect the country’s collective interest.

As part of the consultation process, the ministry will engage the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education experts and other relevant stakeholders.

The consultations are expected to produce recommendations that strike a balance between sustaining the quality and credibility of national examinations and ensuring that registration fees remain affordable for Nigerian families.

The ministry stressed that no increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees will take effect until the consultation process is completed and the Federal Government reaches a final decision.

It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting students’ welfare, expanding access to quality education and implementing reforms that support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.

The ministry also thanked Nigerians for their constructive feedback and assured the public that updates would be provided throughout the consultation process.

FG suspends planned WAEC, NECO registration fee hike after public outcry