In a way, countries in the Global South are somewhat ahead of the curve when it comes AI-proofing exams. I completed my undergrad studies in Nigeria over 10 years ago and all exams were written in-person. I don’t think that has changed much in 2026 - despite how much disruptions were caused by the COVID-19 lockdowns and LLMs becoming mainstream.
Because there are no take-home exams, students in the Global South are more likely to use AI to facilitate their understanding of the course material, which could help them recall better in the in-person exams.
I should also note that exams in Nigeria were more high-pressure than anything I’ve encountered in the West. This is because there were no assignments or mid-term tests that counted towards the final grade. At the end of the semester, you wrote one exam and your score in that exam determined your final grade!
Originally posted on Substack, July 2026.