AI didn’t break university assessments — it exposed a dangerous lack of graduate capability

The advent of artificial intelligence has revealed a long-standing issue within higher education: a reliance on superficial assessments that prioritize the appearance of knowledge over genuine understanding. This "assessment theatre" has been a common practice, but AI tools have now made it evident that many students may not possess the fundamental capabilities expected upon graduation. While this exposure might seem problematic, it presents an opportunity for universities to re-evaluate and improve their educational and evaluation methods.

This situation matters because it highlights a critical need for educational institutions to ensure graduates are equipped with actual skills and knowledge, rather than just appearing to have them.