Businessman and politician Alinur Mohamed has sparked a lively debate online after questioning the structure and effectiveness of Africa’s education system.
In a social media post that quickly went viral, Alinur expressed disbelief over one of the continent’s long-standing classroom practices — the habit of students transferring notes from textbooks into exercise books.
“The African education system is just so confused because tell me why we were transferring notes from textbooks to exercise books,” Alinur wrote.
His statement resonated with many Kenyans and other Africans who recalled their own school experiences, sparking conversations about outdated teaching methods, rote learning, and the urgent need for curriculum reform.
Several social media users agreed with Alinur’s sentiment, arguing that the traditional system focuses more on memorization than creativity or critical thinking. Others, however, defended the practice, saying it helped students retain information and develop handwriting and discipline.
The discussion adds to the ongoing debate over the relevance of Africa’s education model in preparing young people for modern careers and global competition. Many observers have called for a shift towards practical learning, digital literacy, and innovation-based education to bridge the gap between school and the real world.
Alinur’s bold remark has once again highlighted how deeply education reform remains a shared concern among African youth, educators, and policymakers alike.
