Capability, opportunity and motivation in university students’ generative AI usage

Generative artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in university learning, but academic engagement requires more than access or perceived usefulness. Drawing on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) framework, this study examines associations between students’ capability, opportunity, motivation, and GenAI usage behaviour. The analysis uses cross-sectional, self-reported survey data from 533 students at four Ghanaian public universities and applies partial least squares structural equation modelling. Our results show that capability, opportunity, and motivation are positively associated with GenAI usage behaviour. Capability and opportunity are also positively associated with motivation and indirectly associated with GenAI usage behaviour through motivation. The model explains 28.1% of the variance in motivation and 35.2% of the variance in GenAI usage behaviour. These findings highlight the need for universities to integrate AI literacy, reliable infrastructure, lecturer guidance, clear institutional policies, and cultures supporting responsible academic use.