
30 Jan 2025 AltSchool hosts over 7,000 young African talent at maiden sTaRt Conference, announces new learning portal, community app
More than 7,000 young talent from across Africa joined AltSchool Africa for the maiden edition of its annual community-focused event, the sTaRt Conference on Saturday, 25th January 2025.
The event, held at the Pistis Conference Center, Lekki, Lagos, highlighted AltSchool’s growing impact on education and career development, while also celebrating the people—learners, instructors, partners, and other key stakeholders—that aid its mission to impact millions of lives across the continent.
AltSchool embarks on mission to reach 400 million Africans
In his opening remarks, Co-founder and CEO, AltSchool Africa, Adewale Yusuf, described AltSchool Africa as the result of a “big, bold idea” to make world-class education accessible to anyone regardless of who they are, where they come from or what their socio-economic background, or circumstance is.
He noted that AltSchool Africa has recorded incredible growth over the last three years since its founding, evolving into an ecosystem that has empowered over 100,000 learners across Africa to acquire life-changing tech, business, and digital innovation skills. Yusuf further reiterated that Africa’s greatest resource does not exist in the ground but in its people, and assured that AltSchool remains steadfast on its mission to provide quality learning opportunities to 400 million Africans.
James Fowe delivers powerful keynote
While delivering his keynote address on ‘Nurturing Your Nature: Unlocking Your Genius in the AI Era’, Senior Principal Research Engineer at HERE Technologies, James Fowe allayed fears that Artificial Intelligence would render highly skilled talent jobless.
Fowe stressed that Artificial Intelligence exists to boost productivity, urging tech professionals to learn how best to leverage AI tools to improve their processes and achieve desired results. He harped on the need for more young people to ditch trends and pursue careers in areas where their natural passions and interests lie, describing it as the YOU strategy to win in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global job market.
AltSchool as a tool for continuous career and socio-economic growth
Speaking in a fireside chat, Opeyemi Awoyemi, Founding co-founder, AltSchool Africa and General Partner, Fast Forward Venture Studio stressed that many traditional academic institutions across Africa are not equipped with the curriculum, expertise and infrastructure required to bring Africa to the forefront of socio-economic transformation. According to him, for Africa to compete favorably with other continents in terms of education and development, alternative, cost-friendly education as offered by AltSchool Africa is of utmost importance.
Commenting, Chairman AltSchool Board of Directors, Charles Thornburgh noted that Africa currently has the greatest human talent resource on the planet and with the right learning and education support, just like AltSchool Africa offers, the continent is bound to have the greatest impact on the future of humanity. He further explained that if academic institutions in Africa were operating optimally, digital learning platforms like AltSchool Africa are still needed to ensure that Africans do not only up-skill but re-skill so as to keep up with the ever-changing demands of the job market.
On becoming a highly sought-after talent
In the same vein, Head, Talent Management, Wema Bank Plc, Dr. Olajumoke Aleoke-Malachi in her address, underscored the need for young talent to play to their strengths and embrace continuous learning in order to become highly skilled, sought-after professionals. While speaking on the topic; ‘How to Become a Sought After Career Professional’ at the conference, Dr. Aleoke-Malachi emphasized the importance of skilled individuals adopting the ‘MOVE’ strategy in their careers, which involves exiting jobs or organizations that lack growth opportunities, in order to focus on the next big opportunity.
A smarter, faster and more intuitive learning portal
AltSchool’s Senior Product Designer, Foluso Folorunso and Senior Software Engineer, John Ajeigbe announced a newly built learning portal at the conference, saying the new product now delivers an experience that is intuitive, seamless, and delightful. “We reimagined the entire user journey with that in mind. From the moment you log in to the second you complete your course, everything is designed to make it better, easier, and more rewarding for you”, said Folorunso.
Head of Product and Engineering, Emmanuel Ogunsola also announced the coming of AltSessions, a series of impactful live sessions with industry experts across different sectors which will be made available on the new AltSchool Portal.
AltSchool announces new Community App
AltSchool Africa is building a groundbreaking new Community App. AltSchool’s Senior Community Manager, Tabitha Kavyu who made this known, said the new Community App is being “designed to make connections smoother, discussions richer, and collaboration effortless.” According to Kavyu, the new app will make it possible for learners to remain a part of the AltSchool community and enjoy its perks even beyond the completion of their program.
Natsu, EasyServe, Teleclinx demo product at sTaRt
AltSchool Africa demonstrates its commitment to helping its learners reach their maximum potential through a number of career support services. One of these is the Learners Innovation Program (LIP) which according to the Head of Innovation and New Markets, Rachael Onoja, is “a strategic investment in our learners’ potential and our commitment to a better future.”
With LIP, learners are empowered to develop innovative products or solutions that tackle pressing global challenges within a local context, cultivating a culture of social responsibility and driving positive change. AltSchool provides comprehensive support to these innovators, offering funding, mentorship, and operational expertise as needed.
At the sTaRt Conference, three teams from the inaugural cohort of 7 LIP innovators showcased their innovative solutions to the audience. These teams were:
- Natsu by Calmify
Natsu is a practical support tool for Africans living with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). With Natsu, users can test for ADHD, manage tasks and book sessions with qualified therapists. For more information, click HERE.
- EasyServe
EasyServe is a trusted digital platform where clients can find verified service providers in real-time. EasyServe is revolutionizing how Nigerians access and deliver everyday services by offering seamless and reliable solutions. For more information, click HERE.
- Teleclinix
Teleclinix is a user-friendly telemedicine platform with licensed healthcare providers via video, audio and chat consultations. TeleClinix aims to bridge Nigeria’s healthcare accessibility gap through innovative telemedicine. For more information, click HERE.
Also at the sTaRt Conference:
Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at AltSchool Africa, Sultan Akintunde in a fireside chat with the Executive Vice President, Operations and Technology at Interswitch, Babafemi Ogungbamila spoke extensively about becoming a formidable talent and building a rewarding career as a professional especially as the tech space grows increasingly competitive.
Founder of Gazmadu Studios, Yagazie Eguare joined AltSchool’s Head of Content Production, Gbenga Jacob and Video Editor, Adeyosola Ajose to unveil a suite of photography and videography courses powered by Gazmadu Education and AltSchool Africa. Learners can now take courses on Wedding Photography, Portrait Photography, Basic Photography, Basic Videography, and the Business of Photography. According to Ajose, “There is nothing like these courses out there. These courses are value-packed and anyone who takes these courses will come out as a fully-fledged photographer.”
Also present at the conference were Treasure Ajefu, Frederick Eghosa and Gbenga Akinbajo Okunniyi, some AltSchool Africa alumni who shared stories of career growth following the completion of their diploma program at AltSchool Africa.
While AltSchool Africa celebrated its partners and sponsors, instructors and student leaders were not left behind as they were recognized for their hard work and awarded for the excellence displayed in the discharge of their duties.
The sTaRt Conference returns 31st January 2026.
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