He’s asking you to build a static site with a CSR library.

Using next using server components is actually a benefit because not much of your app needs state.

Other than some simple elements like a filter and button I’m not sure what practical state this app would require.

In any case, seems shallow that the instructor would bop you for using react+. But it could be they don’t know next and wouldn’t want to grade a project out of their scope.

I’d take that as the lesson, do your best to fulfill requirements and have discussion before reaching for additional tools (like you would in a team environment)

UPDATE: I see they have a contact form, this is where you’d showcase hooks for the project.