Harde Business School reiterates commitment to affordable skill-driven learning
By Fabian Ekeruche
Harde Business School has reiterated its commitment to affordable, high-impact education, positioning itself as a viable alternative to traditional, certificate-focused learning models.
The Co-founder/Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Mr Dami Oguntunde, disclosed this during a courtesy visit of the Newsmen to the school in Lagos.
Oguntunde said its programmes were deliberately priced to remain accessible, while delivering substantial value to learners across various sectors.
He said feedback from recent graduates highlighted affordability as a major attraction.
“One of the participants at our recent graduation said they chose us because of how affordable we are compared to other business schools. Yet, the value we provide is significantly higher.
“Several courses on its platform are offered free as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, including programmes in leadership, negotiation and governance,” Oguntunde said.
He noted that this approach allows prospective learners to experience its training model before committing financially.
“Our goal is to reduce the barrier to entry. You can start learning for free, and if you find value, you can proceed to paid courses.
“Paid courses on the platform start from as low as N30,000, while its flagship Business Leadership Executive Programme—comprising 10 courses—costs N500,000,” he said.
He explained that the programme includes both virtual and physical learning components, access to industry experts, and hands-on training over a 10-week period.
“In some institutions, that amount only covers a few days of training. For us, it delivers 10 weeks of immersive, practical learning with direct access to professionals,” he added.
He also reaffirmed its plans to secure accreditation from regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission and the National Board for Technical Education, noting that the process is capital-intensive.
“We made initial attempts in the past, but the financial and infrastructure requirements are significant.
“We are optimistic that with the right investment, we can meet those standards,” he said.
Oguntunde stressed that Nigeria faces a growing gap in access to tertiary education, with existing universities unable to meet demand.
He added that its model of short, skill-based programmes offers a faster pathway to employment, especially in an era where employers increasingly prioritise competence over certificates.
“Industries are shifting. The key question now is not just what certificate you have, but whether you can deliver results. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, skills have become even more critical,” he said.
Oguntunde noted that its programmes were designed to deliver practical competencies within short timeframes, enabling learners to transition quickly into the workforce.
He also highlighted global trends, particularly in the United Kingdom, where many students combine work with skill-based certifications instead of pursuing lengthy traditional degrees.
“Education is evolving. We are seeing models where individuals gain multiple professional certifications while working, and within months, they become highly employable,” he said.
He expressed readiness to collaborate with media organisations such as NAN and industry stakeholders to expand awareness and adoption of skill-based education in Nigeria.
“We believe partnerships will help amplify this message and reshape how education is delivered and consumed in the country,” he added.