Does online education actually work? Analysing the efficiency of Edtech 

Many people have tried buying an online course as a complement to their educational backgrounds, as the promise of earning a degree without the hassle of switching locations or attending in-person lectures feels like a new-age hack. 

But the edtech industry has not exactly disrupted traditional education,

In fact, the traditional education model has retained its credibility and demand, as people are likely to value an in-person program with physical classes over an online course. 

The edtech industry, on the other hand, suffers from a credibility problem. Even great online courses from reputable institutions are watered down by mass-produced courses and free educational resources like YouTube.

Mike Ikenwa, Founder of Univad, an African edtech startup, told Condia that he believes that edtech’s credibility challenge stems from undelivered promises and over-marketing. 

“Credibility comes from outcomes, not just marketing. Online learning must move beyond certificates and focus on verified skills, real-world projects, and employment pathways,“ Ikenwa said.

“When online learning institutions consistently produce graduates who can demonstrate their work and secure internships or jobs, the credibility conversation naturally shifts.”

Despite the challenges, the edtech industry in Africa has recorded some success stories over the years. 

Ulesson, a Nigerian edtech giant, surpassed 1 million downloads and launched Miva Open University, proposing to become Africa’s largest university by enrollment. 

Altschool Africa, another Nigerian edtech giant, raised $4 million across two rounds of funding. Univad, an African edtech startup, achieved a near-90% course completion rate among its students. 

These are the positives. They point towards a promising future for Africa’s edtech amid its overbearing challenges. 

The unfinished course pandemic 

Starting a new course isn’t the issue. Finishing it is. Most online students drop out of programs, barely completing the modules while hopping from one to the next. 

The course completion issue is a pandemic, prompting celebrations from Edtech startups when a high percentage of their courses are completed. 

This challenge stems from a mixture of issues, ranging from content depth and value to the work-life balance of edtech target demographics. 

Ikenwa explained that the lack of structure and accountability is the biggest issue behind this challenge. 

“Most online platforms provide content, but not progression systems. When learners find it hard to keep track of their milestones, practical application, or real outcomes tied to their commitments, motivation drops,” he explained. 

He also said that completion rates increase when learning is connected to tangible goals such as projects, income, or career advancement. 

Other factors, such as work-life balance for working-class learners, affect course completion rates as students try to balance a full-time 9–5 job with their respective programs. 

The shallow course pandemic and scourge of bad actors 

In Africa, a pandemic of quick-money merchants is saturating the edtech market with shallow, substandard programs optimised for sales rather than value. 

It’s common to see an advert promising a cybersecurity degree at a minimal price, targeting the uninformed. Most of these courses lack depth, and their content could be found in a free YouTube video. Unsuspecting victims patronise these startups only to get little to no value for their money. 

Since most edtech startups are personalised, there is no way to rate an edtech startup other than taking a course yourself. This makes the process very potent. 

This factor pollutes the edtech market, dropping its credibility ratings and prolonging the quest to disrupt traditional education. Also, a lack of a regulatory body in the edtech sector contributes to the menace. It makes it really difficult to tell friend from foe. 

How the African Edtech User can win 

Despite the challenges facing the edtech industry, it is still possible to get tremendous value for money in the market. The edtech model remains a useful resource due to its flexibility and personalised experience. Navigating the African edtech space requires prospective learners to shift their approach and mindset. 

“I’d say prospective learners should look beyond marketing and focus on outcomes, real ones. A credible edtech platform should show clear proof that learners actually gain skills and apply them in real-world contexts,” Ikenwa explained.

“That includes the quality of instructors, the structure of the curriculum, practical projects or work-based learning, and whether the platform connects learning to real opportunities like internships, jobs, or industry collaboration.” 

Learners should prioritise programs that are relevant to their immediate environment. The relatability helps retention and skyrockets course completion rates.

When choosing an edtech startup, prospective learners can check reviews before paying for programs. This should be followed by thorough research, as some startups spam their reviews with favourable feedback. 

Learners are also advised to join platforms that offer 1:1 mentorship and access to job placement. Established edtech startups with a significant alumni network could be game-changing. Prospective users could land real jobs and get referrals by leveraging their existing network.  

Edtech Startups like Altschool Africa and Miva Open University have strong followings and user networks. This helps you get real value for your money. Programs at these edtech startup firms can get you a dream job based solely on their brand equity. 

Away from the African edtech ecosystem, Udemy and Coursera are established global players offering programs from universities worldwide. While courses from these platforms might not be tailored to African needs, some disciplines still operate on a global standard. 

The edtech industry is one of the major disruptions of the internet age. The promise of decentralised and flexible education is a strong business case, difficult to ignore despite challenges. 

The introduction of artificial intelligence to the global tech scene will only improve the edtech experience. It will make it a more refined and efficient vehicle for mass education worldwide.

Last updated: March 9, 2026