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YouTube 1 - University 0
What’s up guyyy?
Be honest, when last did you actually learn something useful in class?
Because me, I realized something last semester: my lecturer was explaining a topic, and all I could think was, “This man doesn’t even have the range of the YouTuber that taught me this same thing in 10 minutes.”
And that’s when it hit me —
YouTube has done more for us than the curriculum.
YouTube Lecturers Don’t Stress Us for Attendance
Our real lecturers will say,
“Class starts at 8 a.m.”
But the spirit of lateness will whisper, “Rest small.”
You’ll rush there sweating, only for the man to enter 40 minutes late, cough twice, and write one formula on the board.
Then he’ll say, “Read up the rest at home.”
Sir, that’s what I’ve been doing…with YouTube.🙄
Because YouTube lecturer no dey vex if I come late.
He no dey mark attendance.
He just says, “Hi guys, welcome back to my channel.”
Peaceful. Respectful. Refreshing.
YouTube Explains Like It Cares About Our Destiny
Real lecturers: “From this equation, we can deduce that…”
Deduce? I haven’t even understood what you introduced!
But YouTube lecturer?
He’ll start with, “Okay, imagine you’re trying to pour water into a cup…”
And suddenly, the course that used to sound like rocket science starts making sense.
YouTube explains things like it wants you to win.
Nigerian lecturers explain like you personally offended them.
The Freedom to Pause, Rewind, and Cry Silently
You can’t rewind a real lecturer.
You can’t even stop them to ask a question.
You can’t skip to “the important part.”
But on YouTube?
I can rewind 14 times, slow the video to 0.75x speed, and still ask the man,
“Wait, sorry sir, what did you say?”
Even though he can’t hear me.
That’s power. That’s learning. That’s education with autonomy.😌
The Comment Section Is Better Than Group Chat
Whatsapp group chats:
“Who get assignment question?”
“Abeg send screenshot.”
“Who has the document the man sent last week?”
“Omo I no come class.”
“@courserep has the lecturer sent those practice questions?”
YouTube comments:
“Here’s a summary of the whole topic in simpler terms.”
“Skip to 4:12 if you’re confused.”
“Link to free practice questions.”
The contrast is painful.
The Algorithm Is Doing More for Our Future Than the Curriculum
Let’s be honest,
Half the skills paying Nigerian students today didn’t come from school.
They came from YouTube.
Design, editing, coding, marketing, copywriting, animation…
Even how to send a professional email? YouTube taught it.
Meanwhile, school is still teaching “History of Typewriter.”
We’ve moved on, but our curriculum is still buffering.
YouTube Doesn’t Humiliate You for Asking Questions
Ask a question in class and watch your lecturer’s blood pressure rise.
YouTube?
It will say, “That’s a great question! Let’s break it down.”
One gives trauma, the other gives tutorials.
The Real Gs Know YouTube Saved Our GP
Let’s not lie.
We’ve all been in that situation where exams are in 48 hours, and suddenly you become a devout student.
You type “Thermodynamics explained in 15 minutes” or “Quick revision before you fail.”
And somehow, YouTube delivers.
YouTube always delivers.
If YouTube were a person, it deserves National Honors.
But Still, Respect to the Real Lecturers (the 0.5%)
There are a few good ones though, the ones that actually try.
The ones who make learning interactive and don’t speak like they’re allergic to explanation.
But for the rest?
We thank God for data and algorithm.
Final Take
We didn’t plan to replace our lecturers with YouTube.
It just happened.
The internet is where we actually learn.
School just gives us structure (and sometimes trauma).
So no shame in saying it. We learned more from YouTube, and we’re not even sorry.
Because in this life, survival is key.
And if “Thermodynamics Simplified by Brian from Ohio, Organic Chemistry Tutor, Balkan Architect” and many more lifesavers are the ones that keep our GPA alive,
then so be it.
May your WiFi be strong and your lecturers, kind! Stay safe, stay smart, keep learning small small.
Till next gist,
Gbemi from 10.8.8 Africa.✨
Organic chemistry tutor saved my entire 100 and 200 level 😭