Welcome to Histute – Instructor Terms and Conditions
Last Updated: 15 March 2025
Thank you for joining Histute as an instructor! By registering and offering your educational content, courses, and services through the Histute platform, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these Instructor Terms and Conditions (the “Agreement”).
This Agreement governs your rights, responsibilities, and obligations as an instructor on Histute. Our goal is to foster a transparent, professional, and secure learning environment that benefits both instructors and learners.
By participating as an instructor, you agree to:
– Uphold high educational and ethical standards in your course content and interactions.
– Comply with intellectual property laws, ensuring all uploaded content is original or properly licensed.
– Engage with learners professionally, maintaining a respectful and inclusive teaching environment.
– Adhere to platform policies, including course pricing, revenue sharing, and restricted topics.
– Stay updated on policy changes, as Histute reserves the right to update these Terms periodically.
We value your contributions in promoting African languages, cultures, traditions, and skills, and we’re committed to supporting your success as an instructor. If you have any questions regarding these Terms, please reach out to our support team at support@histute.com.
Let’s make learning more accessible and impactful together!
- Definitions
For clarity and consistency, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
1.1 “Histute”
Histute is an African online education marketplace owned and operated by a startup company, Mabooky Technology Limited, a registered Nigerian company. It provides an innovative platform that connects instructors and learners to facilitate the teaching and learning of African languages, skills, cultures, traditions, and various educational subjects.
1.2 “Instructor”
An Instructor refers to any individual, organization, or entity that creates, publishes, and delivers educational content, courses, live sessions, or related learning materials through the Histute platform. Instructors are responsible for maintaining the quality, accuracy, and integrity of their educational content.
1.3 “Content”
Content includes, but is not limited to:
- Pre-recorded lessons (videos, audio recordings, animations)
- Live sessions and webinars
- Written course materials (e-books, articles, PDFs, transcripts)
- Multimedia presentations (slideshows, infographics)
- Assessments and assignments (quizzes, projects, interactive exercises)
- Supplementary resources (templates, study guides, downloadable materials)
All content uploaded to Histute must comply with intellectual property laws, platform guidelines, and community standards.
1.4 “Learners”
Learners are individuals or groups who enroll in, purchase, or access educational courses, content, and services on Histute. Learners may include:
- Students seeking to acquire new skills, languages, or cultural knowledge
- Professionals looking for career-enhancing training
- Cultural enthusiasts interested in African traditions, history, and heritage
- Businesses and organizations using Histute for employee training and development
Learners are expected to engage with course materials responsibly and comply with Histute’s terms, policies, and ethical guidelines.
1.5 “Affiliate Partners”
Affiliate Partners are external individuals, organizations, or businesses that promote Histute courses through the platform’s affiliate marketing program. Affiliate partners earn commissions based on successful course enrollments generated through their unique referral links.
Affiliate partners are responsible for:
- Ethical and transparent promotion of Histute courses
- Adhering to marketing policies and brand guidelines
- Avoiding misleading or deceptive advertising practices
Histute reserves the right to monitor affiliate activities and terminate partnerships that violate platform policies or ethical standards.
- Instructor Eligibility and Registration
2.1 Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as an instructor on Histute, you must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old (or the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction).
Expertise and Qualifications: You must possess relevant qualifications, expertise, or demonstrable experience in your field of instruction. This may include academic degrees, professional certifications, industry experience, or proven skills in the subject matter you intend to teach.
Legal and Ethical Compliance: You must comply with local, national, and international regulations related to online education and course delivery.
Successful Verification: You must complete Histute’s registration and verification process, which may include identity verification and validation of credentials.
Histute reserves the right to request additional documentation or proof of expertise as part of its quality assurance process.
2.2 Registration Process
To register as an instructor on Histute, you must:
Provide Accurate Information
- Submit verifiable details about your identity, educational background, professional experience, and instructional expertise.
- If applicable, upload certificates, licenses, or other supporting documents to validate your qualifications.
Maintain an Updated Profile
- Keep your instructor profile accurate and up to date. This includes:
- Contact information (email, phone, etc.).
- Course offerings and expertise areas.
- Changes to qualifications or credentials.
- Failure to update incorrect or outdated information may result in account suspension or termination.
Adhere to Platform Policies
- Agree to Histute’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Community Guidelines, and Instructor Terms.
- Follow content quality standards and ethical teaching practices.
Complete Onboarding Requirements
- Participate in any mandatory training, orientation, or compliance programs as required by Histute.
- Familiarize yourself with the platform’s course creation tools, pricing policies, and learner engagement features.
2.3 Application Review and Approval
Histute reserves the right to:
– Evaluate all instructor applications before approval.
– Request additional documentation or proof of expertise before granting teaching privileges.
– Accept or reject applications at its sole discretion, with no obligation to provide a reason for rejection.
– Reassess eligibility if concerns arise regarding content quality, professionalism, or compliance with platform standards.
Histute is committed to maintaining a high-quality learning environment and reserves the right to terminate or suspend instructors who fail to adhere to the platform’s standards and policies.
- Instructor Responsibilities
3.1 Content Standards
At Histute, course creation is a collaborative process designed to ensure quality, clarity, and value for learners. All instructors must adhere to Histute’s Course Quality Requirements Checklist, which outlines mandatory and recommended guidelines for structuring and delivering high-quality courses.
Course Structure and Content
Minimum Requirements:
- Video Content: Each course must include at least 30 minutes of free video content and a minimum of 4 hours for premium courses.
- Lectures: Courses must contain at least 5 separate, logically structured lectures to ensure cohesiveness.
- Learning Objectives: Clearly define what learners will achieve by the end of the course.
- Valuable Educational Content: Courses must be practical, actionable, and skill-focused to ensure learners gain meaningful knowledge.
Recommendations:
- Organize lectures into modules or sections for better clarity and flow.
- Provide bonus materials, downloadable resources, or additional readings to enhance the learning experience.
- Address common challenges or misconceptions learners might face in the subject matter.
Video Quality Standards
Mandatory Standards:
- Resolution: Videos must be HD quality, with a minimum of 720p, though 1080p is preferred for a professional appearance.
- Orientation: All videos must be recorded in landscape mode for consistency across devices.
- Clarity: Videos must be sharp, well-lit, and free from pixelation or grainy footage.
Additional Recommendations:
- Use professional lighting to ensure clear visibility of both the instructor and teaching materials.
- Ensure visuals such as slides and demonstrations are clear, not overcrowded, and enhance comprehension.
Audio Quality Standards
Mandatory Standards:
- Channel Output: Audio must be stereo (coming out of both left and right channels).
- Clarity: Audio should be free from background noise, distortion, or echo.
- Synchronization: Ensure that audio is accurately synchronized with video content.
Tips for Excellent Audio:
- Use an external microphone for improved sound quality.
- Record in a quiet environment or use noise-canceling software during editing.
- Perform sound checks before recording lectures.
Accessibility Requirements
Essential Accessibility Features:
- Captions/Subtitles: All video content must include subtitles to support non-native speakers and learners with hearing impairments.
- Readable Text: Any course slides or text-based content must use large, clear fonts with high contrast for readability.
Inclusivity Recommendations:
- Use plain language to ensure accessibility for a broader audience.
- Avoid jargon unless clearly defined in the course materials.
Course Landing Page (CLP) Requirements
A well-structured Course Landing Page (CLP) improves visibility, engagement, and conversions.
Mandatory Elements:
- Course Title: Must be concise, engaging, and include relevant keywords for searchability.
- Course Subtitle: A one-sentence summary describing the course and its benefits.
- Description: A minimum of 200 words explaining what the course covers, learning outcomes, and the target audience.
- Intended Learners: Clearly define who the course is for, including prerequisites (if any).
- Instructor Bio: A professional biography with a clear profile picture.
CLP Optimization Tips:
- Highlight unique selling points (e.g., real-world applications, industry trends, or career benefits).
- If applicable, include testimonials to build credibility.
Course Image Standards
Technical Requirements:
- File Formats: Acceptable formats include .jpeg, .gif, or .png.
- Dimensions: Minimum 750 × 422 pixels, with a maximum of 4000 × 4000 pixels.
- Quality: Images must be high-resolution, free of pixelation, distortion, or blurriness.
- Color Model: Use the RGB color model, as it is optimized for electronic displays.
Design Guidelines:
- Keep the design simple, with a clear focal point. Avoid cluttered visuals.
- Use images that are relevant to the course topic instead of generic stock photos.
- Avoid text overlays on images, except for branding elements like logos.
🚫 Prohibited Content
Histute strictly prohibits the following content types:
- Hate speech, discrimination, or incitement to violence based on race, gender, nationality, or any other factor.
- Misinformation, misleading claims, or harmful content.
- Adult, explicit, or offensive material unsuitable for educational purposes.
- Plagiarized or copyright-infringing content, unless properly licensed.
Histute reserves the right to review, remove, or restrict any content that violates these standards. Instructors failing to comply may face course removal, account suspension, or permanent ban from the platform.
- Platform Usage and Exclusivity
4.1 Platform Exclusivity (Optional Clause)
To maintain the uniqueness and value of content available on Histute, the platform may require instructors to offer certain exclusive courses that are not published, distributed, or marketed on competing platforms.
- If an exclusivity agreement applies, Histute will formally notify the instructor and provide clear terms regarding:
- The specific courses covered under exclusivity.
- The duration of the exclusivity period.
- Any financial incentives or additional compensation offered for exclusivity.
- Exclusive content agreements are determined on a case-by-case basis, and instructors have the right to review and negotiate terms before acceptance.
- Instructors retaining intellectual property rights to their content may continue using it outside Histute only after the exclusivity period expires, subject to agreed-upon conditions.
4.2 Non-Compete Clause
To protect the integrity of Histute’s learning ecosystem and ensure fair competition:
- Instructors must not use Histute’s platform, messaging systems, or course materials to promote, redirect, or solicit learners to competing platforms, personal websites, or third-party services offering similar courses.
- Any external promotions, collaborations, or cross-platform integrations must be disclosed and pre-approved by Histute in writing.
- Failure to comply with this clause may result in course removal, revenue forfeiture, or account suspension at Histute’s discretion.
4.3 Use of Platform Tools
Histute provides specialized tools and resources to ensure consistency, accessibility, and a high-quality learning experience across all courses. Instructors are required to:
- Utilize Histute’s course creation templates, assessment formats, and content structuring tools unless an alternative approach has been formally approved.
- Use the platform’s built-in scheduling, communication, and feedback mechanisms to engage with learners efficiently.
- Maintain course updates, student interactions, and progress tracking within Histute’s learning management system (LMS) to ensure transparency and record-keeping.
Any request to use external tools, third-party platforms, or custom content delivery methods must be submitted for review and explicitly approved by Histute before implementation.
- Revenue Sharing, Pricing, and Promotions
5.1 Revenue Share
Histute follows a transparent revenue-sharing model that ensures fair compensation for instructors while supporting platform operations and growth.
- Instructors will retain 65% of the revenue generated from course sales, while Histute will receive 35% to cover platform maintenance, marketing, and learner support.
- Earnings from course sales will be automatically reflected on the instructor dashboard, providing real-time visibility into revenue breakdowns, deductions (if any), and payout schedules.
- Revenue payouts will be processed on a monthly basis, in accordance with Histute’s payment schedule, ensuring timely disbursements to instructors.
- Instructors must meet a minimum payout threshold of $200 before earnings are disbursed. If the threshold is not met, earnings will roll over to the next payout cycle until the minimum amount is reached.
- Payments will be made via PayPal or PayStack, and instructors are responsible for ensuring their payment details are up to date to avoid delays.
5.2 Pricing Policies
Histute provides instructors with flexibility in setting course prices while maintaining market competitiveness.
- Instructor Pricing:
- Instructors can propose pricing for their courses, ensuring alignment with content quality, duration, and perceived value.
- Histute reserves the right to review and adjust pricing as needed, particularly for platform-wide promotions or bundled course offerings.
- Pricing recommendations may be provided based on market demand, competitive analysis, and learner engagement trends.
- Discounts and Promotions:
- Histute may offer seasonal discounts, flash sales, or promotional campaigns to attract more learners.
- Any discounted price will not impact the instructor’s revenue share unless explicitly stated in the terms of the specific promotion.
- Instructors will be notified in advance of platform-wide discounts that may temporarily lower course prices.
5.3 Affiliate Marketing
Histute collaborates with affiliate partners to expand course reach and drive sales through strategic marketing efforts.
- Courses may be promoted via Histute’s affiliate marketing program, where external partners earn commissions for successful referrals.
- Revenue shares for affiliate-driven sales may be adjusted to accommodate affiliate commissions. Specific revenue splits for affiliate sales will be disclosed to instructors in advance.
- Instructors may opt-in or opt-out of affiliate promotions, depending on their sales strategy and course goals.
5.4 Refund Policy
Histute is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent refund policy for learners while safeguarding instructor earnings.
- Current Policy:
- At present, Histute does not offer refunds for purchased courses. Learners are encouraged to review course previews and descriptions before making a purchase.
- Future Refund Implementation:
- Histute plans to introduce a structured refund policy in the near future.
- Once in effect, any approved refunds will result in a proportional deduction from the instructor’s earnings.
- Refund eligibility, timeframes, and exceptions will be communicated clearly to both learners and instructors before the policy takes effect.
- Content Ownership, Licensing, and Intellectual Property
6.1 Instructor Ownership
- Instructors retain full ownership of all educational content they create and upload to the Histute platform, including but not limited to video lectures, course materials, quizzes, assignments, and live sessions.
- By publishing content on Histute, instructors grant Histute a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to host, market, promote, distribute, and provide access to their courses to learners through the platform.
- This license allows Histute to offer courses on multiple devices and formats, ensuring accessibility and optimal learning experiences.
6.2 Histute Branding and Marketing
- Instructors authorize Histute to use their name, profile picture, course descriptions, and course previews for promotional, marketing, and advertising purposes on the platform and affiliated channels.
- This may include but is not limited to social media campaigns, email marketing, search engine promotions, and partnerships with external educational organizations.
- Instructors may request the removal of specific promotional materials related to their content by submitting a written request to Histute’s support team.
6.3 Intellectual Property Warranty and Compliance
- Instructors warrant and represent that all content they upload to Histute is original and does not infringe on any copyrights, trademarks, patents, or other intellectual property rights of third parties.
- If an instructor uses third-party content (such as music, images, or text excerpts), they must have proper authorization or licensing rights to use such materials in their course.
- Histute reserves the right to remove any content that violates copyright laws, intellectual property rights, or platform guidelines.
- Instructors agree to indemnify and hold Histute harmless against any claims, damages, or legal actions arising from intellectual property disputes related to their content.
- Quality Assurance and Review
7.1 Quality Standards
- To maintain high educational standards, Histute reviews, approves, and evaluates all courses before publication to ensure compliance with the platform’s Course Quality Requirements Checklist.
- Courses must meet minimum content, video, and audio quality standards, including clarity, accuracy, engagement, and accessibility.
- Histute reserves the right to reject, request revisions, or remove content that:
- Fails to meet quality guidelines (e.g., poor audio/video quality, lack of structure, or missing essential components).
- Receives consistent negative feedback, low ratings, or learner complaints about clarity, relevance, or instructor responsiveness.
- Violates community guidelines, copyright laws, or platform policies.
- Instructors will be notified of content improvement requests and given an opportunity to update their courses before any removal action is taken.
7.2 Continuous Improvement and Instructor Development
- To support instructor success and platform-wide course improvement, Histute may offer training sessions, workshops, and best-practice guidelines to enhance course creation, teaching techniques, and learner engagement.
- Instructors may be required to participate in quality improvement programs, especially if their courses receive consistent negative feedback or complaints.
- Histute provides analytics and insights to help instructors assess learner engagement, completion rates, and feedback, enabling continuous course enhancement.
- Regular updates and improvements to courses are highly encouraged to keep content relevant and aligned with industry trends and learner expectations.
- Confidentiality and Data Privacy
8.1 Confidential Information
- Instructors must treat all non-public information related to Histute as confidential, including but not limited to:
- Platform algorithms, business strategies, and financial data.
- Learner statistics, engagement metrics, and course performance analytics.
- Any proprietary tools, processes, or technologies used by Histute.
- Disclosure of confidential information to third parties without explicit written consent from Histute is strictly prohibited.
8.2 Learner Privacy and Data Protection
- Instructors must adhere to data protection laws and respect learner privacy by ensuring that:
- Personal learner data (e.g., names, email addresses, course progress) is not shared, sold, or misused for unauthorized purposes.
- Communication with learners remains within the Histute platform unless otherwise permitted by Histute.
- Any third-party integrations or tools used in course delivery comply with applicable data privacy laws.
- Instructors are strictly prohibited from:
- Soliciting learners for external platforms, marketing, or personal gain.
- Collecting, storing, or distributing learner data outside Histute’s platform without proper authorization.
8.3 Data Security and Compliance
- Instructors must take reasonable security measures to protect their content, communication, and any learner-related data, including:
- Using secure passwords and authentication methods for platform access.
- Ensuring that any external tools or software used for course delivery comply with data security standards.
- Reporting any suspected data breaches or security vulnerabilities to Histute immediately.
- Non-compliance with data security policies may result in content removal, account suspension, or legal action, depending on the severity of the violation.
- Termination and Account Management
9.1 Account Termination by Histute
Histute reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate an instructor’s account under the following circumstances:
- Violation of Terms & Policies: Breach of any terms outlined in this agreement, including but not limited to content standards, revenue policies, and confidentiality clauses.
- Poor Course Performance: Courses that consistently receive low ratings, negative feedback, or multiple complaints from learners may lead to review and potential removal from the platform.
- Fraudulent or Unethical Behavior: Any misrepresentation of credentials, plagiarism, misuse of learner data, or engagement in fraudulent activities (e.g., fake enrollments, review manipulation) will result in immediate termination.
- Legal Compliance Issues: If an instructor’s content or activities violate local, national, or international laws, their account may be suspended or terminated without prior notice.
9.2 Voluntary Termination by Instructor
- Instructors who wish to discontinue their association with Histute may request account termination by providing a written notice at least 30 days in advance.
- Histute may conduct an exit review to ensure compliance with outstanding obligations, including pending payouts, learner support commitments, or unresolved disputes.
9.3 Post-Termination Obligations
- Upon termination, Histute retains a non-exclusive, limited license to continue distributing any courses that learners have previously enrolled in or purchased before the termination date.
- Instructors must honor any existing learner commitments, such as answering outstanding questions or fulfilling promised course updates, unless waived by Histute.
- Any pending payouts will be processed according to Histute’s standard payment schedule, provided there are no disputes or violations impacting the instructor’s earnings.
- Instructors must refrain from misusing platform-related confidential data or attempting to redirect learners to competing services.
- Marketing Collaboration and Sponsorships
10.1 Sponsored Campaigns and Promotional Partnerships
- Instructors may collaborate with Histute on sponsored campaigns, platform-wide promotions, or joint marketing initiatives to increase course visibility and reach a wider audience.
- Participation in Histute-sponsored marketing activities (e.g., social media promotions, email campaigns, influencer partnerships) may be subject to separate agreements detailing revenue adjustments, exposure benefits, or sponsorship terms.
- Histute reserves the right to select and prioritize courses for featured promotions based on content quality, learner demand, and alignment with platform goals.
10.2 Instructor-Led Promotions and Cross-Promotion
- Instructors are encouraged to actively promote their courses using social media, personal websites, blogs, and other digital channels, provided they adhere to Histute’s branding and promotional guidelines.
- Any third-party collaborations involving Histute branding (e.g., partnerships with influencers, media publications) must receive prior approval to ensure compliance with platform integrity and messaging consistency.
- Instructors may not engage in misleading advertising or make unauthorized claims about Histute’s services or course outcomes.
10.3 Use of Histute Branding in Promotions
- Instructors may use Histute logos, banners, and marketing templates in promotional content, provided they adhere to branding guidelines and do not modify or misrepresent platform elements.
- Histute reserves the right to request the removal or modification of any promotional material that violates branding policies, contains misleading information, or conflicts with the platform’s reputation.
- Legal and Compliance
11.1 Compliance with Laws and Regulations
- Instructors must comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws when creating and delivering content on Histute.
- Courses must adhere to intellectual property laws, copyright regulations, and data privacy standards to avoid legal disputes.
- Instructors agree to indemnify and hold Histute harmless from any claims, damages, or legal actions arising from non-compliance with applicable laws.
11.2 Force Majeure
- Histute shall not be held liable for any delays, disruptions, or failures in service due to unforeseeable events beyond its control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods, pandemics).
- Government actions (e.g., regulatory changes, trade restrictions, legal prohibitions).
- Cybersecurity threats (e.g., large-scale hacking, data breaches).
- Technical failures (e.g., widespread internet outages, hosting provider failures).
- In the event of force majeure, Histute will make reasonable efforts to restore platform functionality and mitigate any impact on instructors and learners.
11.3 Dispute Resolution
- Any disputes between instructors and Histute shall first be attempted to be resolved amicably through negotiation.
- If no resolution is reached, disputes may be subject to mediation or arbitration.
- Privacy and Data Protection
12.1 Data Collection and Use
- Histute collects, processes, and stores instructor and learner data strictly in accordance with its Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.
- Instructors agree to:
- Use learner data solely for educational purposes related to their courses.
- Not sell, share, or misuse learner data for personal gain or external marketing.
- Comply with Histute’s privacy and security policies when handling learner information.
12.2 Data Security Responsibilities
- Instructors must implement reasonable data protection measures to prevent unauthorized access, leaks, or breaches related to learner or platform data.
- Any third-party tools or services used for course delivery (e.g., email communication, video hosting) must comply with applicable data privacy regulations.
12.3 Data Breaches and Incident Reporting
- Instructors must immediately notify Histute if they suspect or identify:
- Unauthorized access to learner or platform data.
- Data leaks, hacks, or breaches involving Histute’s systems.
- Suspicious activities that may compromise privacy or security.
- Histute reserves the right to investigate and take necessary actions, including suspending instructor accounts, reporting to authorities, or implementing security measures to protect users.
- Amendments and Updates
13.1 Right to Modify Terms
- Histute reserves the right to amend, update, or modify these Instructor Terms and Conditions at its sole discretion. Changes may be made to reflect:
- Updates in platform policies, business operations, or regulatory requirements.
- Enhancements in technology, security, or service offerings.
- Adjustments based on instructor and learner feedback or industry best practices.
13.2 Notification of Changes
- Instructors will be notified of material changes to these terms via email, in-platform notifications, or other official channels.
- Significant amendments may include a summary of key updates to ensure clarity and ease of reference.
13.3 Acceptance and Continued Use
- By continuing to use the Histute platform after an update takes effect, instructors indicate their acceptance of the revised terms.
- If an instructor disagrees with an amendment, they may opt to discontinue their use of the platform in accordance with the account termination process outlined in Section 9.
13.4 Version Control and Record-Keeping
- The latest version of these terms will be available on the platform for reference.
- Histute may maintain a version history or changelog to provide transparency on past updates
- Non-African Instructors
14.1 Inclusivity and Cultural Alignment
- Histute welcomes instructors from all backgrounds, including non-African educators, who can contribute valuable insights while upholding the platform’s commitment to African languages, skills, cultures, and traditions.
- Courses offered by non-African instructors must demonstrate authenticity, respect, and cultural accuracy, ensuring that they align with Histute’s mission to promote African heritage.
14.2 Content Standards for Non-African Instructors
- Course materials must reflect a well-researched and accurate portrayal of African traditions, avoiding stereotypes or misrepresentations.
- Non-African instructors are encouraged to collaborate with African experts, historians, or practitioners where necessary to enhance the depth and credibility of their content.
14.3 Cultural Sensitivity and Ethical Responsibility
- Instructors must approach African topics with cultural awareness and ethical integrity, ensuring that content:
- Respects African communities, traditions, and knowledge systems.
- Acknowledges and credits African sources and contributions where applicable.
- Avoids cultural appropriation by ensuring materials are presented in a way that honors their origins.
14.4 Review and Approval Process
- Histute reserves the right to review and evaluate courses submitted by non-African instructors to ensure compliance with cultural and quality standards.
- If concerns arise, Histute may provide constructive feedback or require modifications before course approval.
- Contact Information
For queries or support, instructors can contact Histute at: support@histute.com