AltSchool Africa and the Cracks in the Continent’s Edtech Dream
The digital age often sparks revolutions, and for AltSchool Africa, a Nigerian edtech startup, a recent one unfolded on social media. In October, the platform, dedicated to equipping Africans with in-demand tech skills, faced a public reckoning on X (formerly Twitter). Current and former students voiced a torrent of complaints, ranging from inconsistent grading and missed lectures to frustrating login glitches, leading some to label the venture a “scam” and others a profound “disappointment.”
Unpacking the Edtech Paradox in Africa
These student testimonies brought to light a significant underlying issue within Africa’s burgeoning edtech sector. They exposed a critical challenge: what happens when the compelling promise of upward socioeconomic mobility through technology is propagated faster than the robust systems required to deliver it consistently? Lagos, Nigeria’s vibrant economic hub, embodies this ambitious spirit, a city where the vocabulary of “scale,” “impact,” and “disruption” permeates daily discourse as entrepreneurs relentlessly build, fund, and pivot. Yet, few startups have attempted to reimagine education with the same bold vision as AltSchool Africa. Established in 2021 by Adewale Yusuf, Akintunde Sultan, and Opeyemi Awoyemi amidst a global pandemic and a local talent drain, AltSchool’s mission extended beyond merely teaching coding; it sought to fundamentally transform how Africans acquire crucial tech competencies.
The public outcry against AltSchool Africa serves as a potent reminder of the delicate balance required in the fast-paced world of African tech. While the continent’s edtech startups hold immense potential to bridge skill gaps and create opportunities, their success hinges not just on audacious vision but equally on meticulous execution and resilient infrastructure. The incident underscores the necessity for the industry to carefully align its aspirational promises with the practical realities of delivery, ensuring that the dream of digital empowerment is built on a solid, reliable foundation.
Keywords
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