This study investigates the relationship between brainstorming challenges, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), and the increasing rate of students’ examination failures in higher institutions in Nigeria. The study focuses on selected universities and colleges in the South-East zone. Data were collected using questionnaires and structured interviews from both students and lecturers. Results revealed that the absence of effective brainstorming sessions, dependence on AI-generated solutions, poor study habits, and inadequate digital literacy contribute significantly to examination failures. The study employed descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS for data analysis. Findings showed a significant negative correlation between brainstorming ability and examination failure (r = −0.52, p < 0.05). The paper recommends that educational institutions integrate guided brainstorming exercises, ethical AI-use frameworks, and training programs to enhance students’ cognitive development and performance.