UTME Students Still Offered Outdated Courses—Expert

Adewale Yusuf, the CEO and co-founder of AltSchool Africa, has cautioned that numerous courses chosen by Nigerian students during JAMB’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration are no longer pertinent to today’s workforce.

He expressed this view at the Apex Tech Summit entitled “The African Digital Economy: Building the Infrastructure for the Next Billion Users,” which took place on August 9, 2025, at the Landmark Centre.

Yusuf indicated that Africa now has a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to the formation of global knowledge and innovation for the first time in many years.

However, he emphasized the need to move away from outdated educational frameworks that do not meet current demands.

“If you’re starting school now, for everyone who has taken JAMB, regardless of the school or program, I regret to inform you… What you are about to study lacks relevance,” he stated.

He elaborated that the issue stems from obsolete curricula, which inadequately prepare graduates for new industries and technologies.

Nevertheless, Yusuf noted that students can bridge this gap by leveraging the extensive learning options accessible today.

Yusuf contrasted this with leading foreign institutions, pointing out that universities like MIT are revamping their courses.

In comparison, numerous Nigerian universities persist in offering content that fails to align with current market requirements, relying on textbooks authored by individuals who have gained new insights.

The founder of AltSchool Africa urged students to take charge of their education by learning in-demand skills while enrolled.

“In the name of God, I implore you, just seek to learn something while you’re in school.”

“Over 60% of students at AltSchool hold bachelor’s degrees. So why aren’t we learning these in schools?” he asked.

Supporting his remarks, Abraham Efemena, CEO of Apex Network, stated at the event, “It’s not solely about the degrees you hold anymore; it’s about the value you bring, which is the direction the world is heading towards.”

As concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing human jobs remain, Yusuf contended that the technology will ultimately generate more employment opportunities than it takes away.

“People claim that AI will eliminate jobs, but AI will generate twice the number of jobs it displaces,” he asserted.

He further noted that despite the unparalleled access to information today, creative thinking is diminishing.

“What matters in starting a business is not merely how to build something but what to create, and that originates from a place of contemplation. We must continually strive to stimulate our minds to think creatively, instead of constantly relying on AI. In today’s world, thinking is what will set you apart from others.”

Additionally, Seun Runsewe, founder of Security Basic Tools, spoke at the event, emphasizing that adaptability is the key skill for thriving in a rapidly changing environment.

“The most valuable skill for survival now is grasping how to learn. The specifics of what to learn will always evolve,” she stated.

Runsewe explained that the true advantage lies in mastering the essential tools, formulas, and methodologies required to acquire new knowledge as demands shift swiftly.

She observed that once an individual comprehends these principles, they position themselves to excel across various fields, especially as emerging technologies transform industries.