Miles....I expect CM is talking about an Aviation Maintenance degree that includes the Part66 license modules as part of the study.....so whilst I agree with the statement that the degree probbaly isn't going to be that much use....it will allow him to gain an AML by studying fulltime, and if his tuition fees are paid it will be a great plan!
Do the course, if it's an Approved Part 147 Basic Training course then you'll only need two years in industry before you may meet the minimum requirements to apply for a license.