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Tag: Google Search

  • New Year, New Drive: Google Search Reveals Nigerians are Prioritizing Ambition and Self-Growth in 2026

    New Year, New Drive: Google Search Reveals Nigerians are Prioritizing Ambition and Self-Growth in 2026

    As 2026 kicks off, Google Search data reveals a nation in pursuit of excellence. Nigerians are moving beyond simple resolutions to actively mapping out a year of self-improvement, entrepreneurial growth, and deeper personal connections.

    Data from the first two weeks of January shows a 40 percent spike in searches related to self-improvement and “becoming better”. From the boardroom to the classroom, Nigerians are using Search to find the tools they need to succeed in every area of life.

    The entrepreneurial spirit remains the heartbeat of the nation. “How to start a business” emerged as the top-searched “how to start” query this month, seeing a significant 80 percent increase as Nigerians look to build new ventures and drive economic opportunity. Other top searches for new beginnings include:

    • Starting a blog
    • Launching a podcast
    • Opening a YouTube channel 

    Investing in the “Better Me” 

    Personal growth is a top priority for Nigerians this year, with searches for “how to be a good/better person” increasing by 20 percent. This desire for improvement extends into the heart of the home and community, with people searching for ways to be better partners, husbands, wives, and listeners.

    A Healthy Start to 2026 

    Well-being is at the forefront of the national conversation. Nigerians are forming new habits to stay energized, with searches for “how to eat healthy” and “healthy diet” rising by 40 percent. Mental wellness is also gaining momentum, as searches for “how to meditate” spiked by 40 percent during the same period.

    The Quest for Mastery 

    Whether it is professional development or personal hobbies, the quest for mastery is on. Top mind for many are searches on how to improve communication skills, memory, and even English proficiency. In the world of leisure and skill-based learning, Nigerians are looking to get better at everything from chess and running to singing and even Fortnite .

    “These trends are a powerful reflection of Nigeria’s collective ambition and our shared desire to grow,” says Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications & Public Affairs Manager, West Africa. “We see Search as a cultural mirror that captures the pulse of the nation, and remain committed to ensuring our tools, from Search to Gemini, provide the relevant and helpful insights Nigerians need to navigate their daily journeys and build a more prosperous future”.

    The full list of Searches is below.

    Top “how to be a better…” searchesTop “how to improve…” searches
    1. How to be a better person
    2. How to be a better lover
    3. How to be a better girlfriend
    4. How to be a better boyfriend
    5. How to be a better husband
    6. How to become a better writer
    7. How to become a better singer
    8. How to be a better wife
    9. How to be a better kisser
    10. How to be a better listener    		1. How to improve English
    2. How to improve memory
    3. How to improve credit score
    4. How to improve communication skills
    5. How to improve handwriting
    6. How to improve eyesight
    7. How to improve posture
    8. How to improve gut health
    9. How to improve concentration
    10. How to improve circulation
    Top “how to get better at…” searchesTop “how to start…” searches
    1. How to get better at Fortnite
    2. How to get better at chess
    3. How to get better at basketball
    4. How to get better at warding League
    5. How to get better at singing
    6. How to get better at drawing
    7. How to get better at pull ups
    8. How to get better at math
    9. How to get better at running
    10. How to get better at soccer    		1. How to start a business
    2. How to start a blog
    3. How to start a conversation
    4. How to start a podcast
    5. How to start a YouTube channel
    6. How to start running
    7. How to start an essay
    8. How to start a speech
    9. How to stop worrying and start living
    10. How to start a letter
  • 2025 Year in Search: Google Reveals the Moments, Music, and Movements That Captivated Nigeria

    2025 Year in Search: Google Reveals the Moments, Music, and Movements That Captivated Nigeria

    • The nation paused to reflect on the passing of major icons, including former President Buhari and Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai.
    • Local film and music dominate, while Nigerians turn to Google to decode viral slang and explore new culinary frontiers.

     From major political shifts to the viral ‘Labubu’ craze, Nigerians turned to Google Search in 2025 to make sense of a year packed with big questions and even bigger cultural moments. Today, Google’s annual Year in Search lists offer a fascinating digital snapshot of the nation’s curiosity, revealing a country deeply engaged with its leaders, its artists, and the icons who shaped its history.

    Politics and People Take Center Stage 

    This year, Nigerians used Search to stay on top of a fast-moving news cycle. High-profile figures drove significant interest, with Senator Natasha Akpoti emerging as the #1 most searched Nigerian personality, highlighting how central political discourse was throughout the year. Beyond the domestic scene, Nigerians also kept a close watch on international events, with the Israel-Iran War and the US Elections featuring heavily in search trends.

    The nation also paused to honor the legacies of titans who left a lasting mark. The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari triggered a massive wave of searches, as people looked back on his tenure. In the sporting world, fans bid a solemn farewell to Peter Rufai, the iconic former Super Eagles goalkeeper, revisiting career highlights and his contributions to the national team. Search interest also grew around the passing of Pope Francis, marking a moment of reflection for many.

    The Sounds and Stories of Nigeria

    Entertainment in 2025 was undeniably Nigerian-led. The Trending Songs list shows a nation seeking both spiritual upliftment and high-energy Afrobeats. The gospel resonance of ‘Oluwatosin (Jesus Is Enough)’ by Tkeyz ft. Steve Hills topped the charts, balanced by the infectious energy of ‘Joy is Coming’ by Fido and major collaborations like Davido and Omah Lay’s ‘With You.’

    Local pride surged in the film industry as well. Director Kemi Adetiba ranked among the most searched personalities, driven by the success of the hit show To Kill a Monkey, which stood out as the most searched local series.

    Decoding Culture, from Slang to the Kitchen 

    The most colorful insights come from how Nigerians interacted with internet culture. In 2025, Search became the go-to tool for decoding viral trends. The questions list was dominated by people asking, “What is Labubu?”, while the meaning of “Achalugo”, popularized by the YouTube film Love in Every Word, also sent people searching.

    In the kitchen, local palates grew more adventurous. Nigerians turned to Google for recipes ranging from the staple Chinchin to the trending Pornstar Martini and health-focused Ginger Shots, blending traditional tastes with global trends.

    “The 2025 Year in Search is more than just data; it’s a vibrant, unfiltered mirror of our collective attention,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications & Public Affairs Manager for West Africa. “Whether it’s tracking the biggest headlines, reflecting on the legacies of icons we lost, or simply figuring out the latest slang, these lists show that Nigerians are using Search to actively engage with the world around them.”

    You can explore the complete 2025 Year in Search lists for Nigeria on the official Google Trends site: https://trends.withgoogle.com/year-in-search/2025/ng/

  • Nigerian Students Embrace AI as a Study Partner, New Google Search Trends Reveal

    Nigerian Students Embrace AI as a Study Partner, New Google Search Trends Reveal

    As students across Nigeria head back to school, new data from Google Search trends reveals a significant shift in study habits, with a massive turn towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) for academic support. Search interest for “AI + studying” surged by over 200% compared to 2024, highlighting how students are increasingly leveraging AI tools as a primary resource for learning.

    This trend is part of a broader surge in AI curiosity in Nigeria. Search interest in AI reached an all-time high in 2025, growing by 60% over the past 12 months. Nigerians are not just asking what AI is, but how to use it to enhance their daily lives, particularly in education. The data shows a 60% increase in searches for “AI + lessons” over the past year.

    AI Integration Across Academic Disciplines

    Students are applying AI to a wide range of subjects. Over the last year, searches combining AI with specific school subjects have seen remarkable growth:

    • AI + Chemistry: increased by 50%
    • AI + Maths: increased by 30%
    • AI + Languages: increased by 30%
    • AI + Grammar: increased by 20%

    The nature of these searches indicates that students are seeking practical help. Top searched questions for mathematics include, “what is the best AI in the world for solving mathematical problems” and “how to use AI to solve math problems.” Similarly, top searches for studying in general include queries for “AI tutor for students,” “free AI tools for studying,” and “useful AI prompts for studying,” showing a clear demand for accessible and specialized AI-powered educational tools.

    Beyond the Classroom: Understanding AI and Preparing for the Future

    The interest in AI extends beyond homework and exam preparation. There is a growing curiosity about the technology itself, with trending questions like “how to use ai” (+80%), “what is the full meaning of AI” (+80%), and “who is the father of ai” (+70%) all rising in the past year.

    Significantly, as students use AI for their work, they are also becoming more aware of the ecosystem around it. Searches for “AI detection” have seen a massive 290% increase in the past 12 months, suggesting a growing conversation around academic integrity and the responsible use of AI tools.

    Looking towards future careers, “Generative AI” was a breakout search term over the past 12 months, often appearing alongside searches for “professional certification.” This indicates that students and young professionals are not only using AI to succeed in their current studies but are also actively looking to build skills that will prepare them for the future workforce.

    Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, said: “It’s inspiring to see Nigerian students so eagerly embrace AI to support their learning journeys. This back-to-school season, the data shows that students are not just using AI for answers, but as a tool to deepen their understanding of complex subjects, from chemistry to mathematics. This curiosity is key to fostering a new generation of innovators, and we are committed to providing tools that empower them to learn, grow, and succeed.”