AltSchool Africa has announced the launch of a Nano-Diploma, a shorter and more flexible programme designed to give learners greater control over their pace of study.
The new offering was unveiled on Tuesday, September 24, 2025, by Co-founder and CEO Adewale Yusuf at the company’s office in Lagos, Nigeria.
Responding to Student Feedback
The Nano-Diploma comes after student feedback highlighted that AltSchool’s original 12-month diploma programmes—requiring up to 20 hours per week—were too demanding for working professionals.
“We heard the feedback, and we had to adapt,” Yusuf said. “The Nano-Diploma gives learners the chance to study at their own pace without losing the quality of education we promised.”
Student concerns first surfaced on social media platform X, with posts arguing that AltSchool was “no different from a typical university” and lacked consideration for challenges such as internet reliability and electricity access. Yusuf acknowledged that in pursuing international accreditations, AltSchool had become less flexible, but emphasized that the rethink was now addressing those concerns.
A Redesigned Learning Structure
Rachael Onoja, AltSchool’s Head of Innovation and New Markets, explained that the company reviewed its grading system and overall structure to ensure programmes better suited evolving student demographics.
“The demography of students we serve has evolved over time. This has allowed us to see that our diploma is not for everybody,” Onoja said. “The Nano-Diploma maintains the quality of a full diploma while offering greater accessibility and flexibility.”
She added that learners could begin applying skills immediately in their careers: “You could be a customer service agent today, applying skills from the Nano-Diploma daily. And by the time you are done, you can already see results.”
Pricing and Market Dynamics
The Nano-Diploma is priced at $30.21, significantly lower than AltSchool’s full diploma programme, which costs $290.
While this raises the possibility of cannibalising demand for the full diploma, Onoja noted that both products continue to attract buyers, with some students even opting for both. She said AltSchool is improving its onboarding process to help guide learners toward the programme best suited to their goals.
Lower Barriers to Entry
Emmanuel Ogunsola, AltSchool’s Head of Product and Engineering, highlighted the simplicity of onboarding: “With a browser on any device, you can go to our portal and start learning within less than five minutes.”
The Nano-Diploma is the second product AltSchool has introduced this year. In March, the company announced Campus by AltSchool, an in-person learning product, though its pilot phase has yet to begin.
Inclusion and Accessibility
AltSchool also plans to collaborate with organisations to provide scholarships, helping offset costs for learners unable to afford tuition. The Nano-Diploma will be available in multiple local languages, including Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa, broadening access beyond urban centres like Lagos.
Looking ahead, Yusuf added that AltSchool is working on introducing AI-powered features to support students in their learning journeys.
“Our goal is to reach learners across Africa,” he said. “The Nano-Diploma is one step in making education more flexible, affordable, and inclusive.”
