The deal ranks among the biggest mergers in a sector still adjusting to slower growth after the pandemic surge.

Under the terms of the agreement, Udemy shareholders will receive 0.8 shares of Coursera for each Udemy share they own. Based on recent market prices, that puts Udemy’s valuation at roughly $930 million and represents a notable premium on its recent trading levels. 

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of next year, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.

This deal brings together two platforms with different strengths at a time when scale counts more than ever. Coursera has built its reputation through partnerships with universities and institutions, providing degrees and professional certificates. 

Udemy, by contrast, runs a large marketplace of independent instructors selling courses to individuals and companies. Together, they are betting that breadth, brand and reach will help them win more corporate clients and lock in steadier subscription revenue.

Growth in consumer enrolments has cooled, while employers are becoming more selective about where they spend on training. Both companies are now positioning the combined platform as a go-to destination for workforce skills in areas such as data, software development and emerging technologies.

Greg Hart, Coursera’s chief executive, described the merger as a response to fast-changing job demands. “We’re at a pivotal moment in which AI is rapidly redefining the skills required for every job across every industry. Organisations and individuals around the world need a platform that is as agile as the new and emerging skills learners must master,” he said.

Udemy’s Chief Executive, Hugo Sarrazin, said the tie-up would extend the company’s reach and speed up product development. “Through this combination with Coursera, we will create meaningful benefits for our learners, enterprise customers, and instructors, while delivering significant value to our shareholders, who will participate in the substantial upside potential of the combined company,” he said.

Financially, the companies expect the merger to enhance their cost base. They project more than $1.5 billion in combined annual revenue and estimate cost savings of about $115 million a year within two years of closing. Coursera has also indicated it plans to pursue a sizeable share buyback programme after the deal is completed.

The boards of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction. Once closed, Coursera shareholders are expected to own about 59 per cent of the combined company, with Udemy shareholders holding the remaining 41%. 

The enlarged group will operate under the Coursera name, trade on the New York Stock Exchange, and be headquartered in Mountain View, California. Udemy’s shares will be delisted from Nasdaq.

Online education stocks have lagged broader indices this year, weighed down by pricing pressure and doubts about long-term returns from new technology investments. Udemy shares are down sharply year-to-date, while Coursera has also fallen, leaving both well below their post-listing highs.

The post Coursera to Acquire Udemy in $2.5bn All-Stock Deal as Online Education Sector Consolidates appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

A 2023 report highlights that over 99% of Nigerians aged 16-64 who are internet users own a smartphone, making mobile-based learning accessible to a vast majority.

This accessibility has catalyzed the rise of digital skill acquisition, empowering individuals to learn at their convenience and pace​

The Growth of Online Learning

Many Nigerians are turning to platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Simplilearn, and EdX for structured courses in fields such as software development, digital marketing, and data science.

These platforms offer certifications from leading institutions, enabling learners to gain globally recognized credentials.

Local initiatives, such as  CodelandCS, specifically cater to Nigerians by offering affordable and flexible learning pathways to master tech skills​

Earning by Teaching Online

The rise of online learning platforms also presents opportunities for Nigerians to monetize their expertise.

Platforms such as Coachli and Kobocourse empower instructors to host live classes, sell digital products, and manage coaching sessions.

These platforms are tailored to creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs, providing tools to streamline course creation and payment processes. For tech-focused educators, CodelandCS allows instructors to host webinars and sell pre-recorded courses​

Leading Platforms for Nigerian Educators

Coachli is an all-in-one platform tailored for coaches, entrepreneurs, and creators to streamline their services and monetize their expertise.

It offers tools for hosting paid or free one-on-one sessions, live classes, and selling digital products.

The platform integrates features like calendar management to prevent double bookings, secure payment processing, and automation for scheduling and reminders, allowing users to focus on their coaching activities.

The user-friendly platform supports various business models, including individual sessions, bundles of coaching calls, and event hosting.

It is designed to cater to diverse coaching niches such as fitness, business mentorship, personal branding, and skill development, making it versatile for creators aiming to expand their reach and enhance revenue streams. Additionally, Coachli supports international transactions, enabling users to connect with a global audience

• CodelandCS:

CodelandCS is a Nigerian-based online learning platform founded by Ugwu Somto and Onuigbo Clinton. It specializes in technology courses like product design, web development, blockchain, and Android mobile development. The platform supports instructors by allowing them to create, host, and monetize both live and pre-recorded courses.

Since its launch, CodelandCS has onboarded 27 experienced instructors, educated over 200 students, and generated over 7 million Naira in revenue.

With a growing community of 2,000 learners, it provides a framework to help graduates secure jobs and has consistently paid instructors their earnings.

• Kobocourse:

Kobocourse is a Nigerian e-learning and online coaching platform specifically tailored for African content creators and learners. Launched in April 2020, it was designed to address the unique challenges faced by African educators and entrepreneurs, such as secure payment options and accessible course-hosting solutions. The platform enables users to create, host, and sell online courses, e-books, and membership programs while streamlining the payment process for learners.

Co-founded by Keno Alordiah and Eva Alordiah, Kobocourse has quickly gained traction, with over 13,000 creators and learners registered and thousands of hours of training content uploaded.

Initially focused on Nigeria, the platform has since expanded to South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana, highlighting its growing popularity across Africa. Kobocourse monetizes by charging a percentage of sales made through the platform​

How Nigerians Can Get Started

Getting started is simple:

1. Identify your area of expertise or desired skill.
2. Choose a platform that aligns with your goals—Kobocourse for African-centric education, Coachli for entrepreneurial coaching, or CodelandCS for tech skills.
3. Utilize free and paid resources on global platforms like Udemy and Coursera to enhance your learning or diversify your course offerings.

As online education continues to grow, it holds the promise of democratizing access to quality learning and offering sustainable income avenues for educators in Nigeria.

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