Businesses are adopting automation, artificial intelligence and remote work and this is overhauling workplaces. Practical, when it comes to skills, are becoming the currency of the job market.

In Nigeria, where more than 60% of the population is under 25, that change in focus is even more pronounced.

A growing youth population, commendable internet access and the spread of digital tools are pushing more young people to look beyond traditional qualifications and towards skills that will guarantee income.

Against this backdrop, certain abilities are standing out in 2026, and so are the platforms helping people acquire them.

Skills Employers Are Prioritising in 2026

Digital and technology-enabled skills are at the top of employers’ wish lists.

• Cybersecurity
• Machine learning,
• Cloud computing and
• Data analytics

These are no longer niche areas reserved for specialists. They are fast becoming core requirements across industries.

The World Economic Forum projects that more than half of the global workforce will need to reskill or upskill before 2030, with digital capabilities forming a large part of that demand.

In Nigeria, this is already visible in recruitment trends across fintech, telecommunications, logistics and media.

Artificial intelligence literacy is also moving into the mainstream. Employers now expect workers to understand how AI tools function, how to use them responsibly and how to integrate them into daily tasks.

Alongside AI, data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud services and basic automation skills are attracting strong demand.

Importantly, these abilities are no longer confined to software developers. Marketing teams use data dashboards. Finance teams rely on automation. Operations managers deploy cloud tools. Even customer support roles now require some level of digital competence.

However, technical knowledge on its own is not enough.

The Rise of Hybrid and Human Skills

With technology becoming embedded in everyday work, human-centred skills are gaining more importance. Employers continue to value problem-solving, communication, adaptability and critical thinking.

These qualities enable teams to work effectively with technology rather than compete against it.

In 2026, candidates with hybrid skill sets are likely to stand out. A marketer who can analyse campaign data, a product manager who understands user research and analytics, or a finance professional comfortable with automation tools will often have an edge over peers with narrow specialisations.

In Nigeria’s competitive labour market, where many young professionals share similar academic backgrounds, this blend of technical and soft skills is increasingly a differentiator.

Online Training Platforms to Watch in 2026

Demand for practical skills is now high, and learning platforms are expanding their offerings, particularly in AI, cloud computing and data. Many now partner with global technology firms to provide recognised certificates.

Alongside global brands, Africa-focused edtech platforms are also gaining ground, offering mobile-friendly courses, flexible payment plans and programmes tailored to local realities.

Below are five platforms attracting attention in 2026.

1. Coursera

Coursera is one of the most widely recognised online learning platforms globally. It partners with leading universities and companies to deliver courses in technology, business, health and the humanities.

Learners in Nigeria use it to earn professional certificates in areas such as data science, project management and IT support, with options to audit some courses for free or apply for financial aid.

Pros:

• University-backed content and globally recognised certificates.
• Flexible learning schedules.
• Broad range of subjects, from AI to leadership.

Cons:

• Paid certificates can be costly for some learners.
• Video-heavy courses require stable internet access.
• Less focus on highly localised content.

2. Udemy

Udemy operates a marketplace model, allowing instructors to create and sell courses. It is known for practical, hands-on training in programming, cybersecurity, design and business skills.

Its frequent discounts make many courses relatively affordable.

Pros:

• Extensive course library covering thousands of topics.
• Regular price reductions.
• Lifetime access to purchased courses.

Cons:

• Course quality varies by instructor.
• Certificates are not formally accredited.
• Some courses lack structured progression.

3. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning focuses on professional development, offering courses in business, software tools, leadership and creative skills. Its integration with LinkedIn allows users to display completed courses directly on their profiles.

Pros:

• Certificates can be showcased to recruiters.
• Short, focused lessons suited to working professionals.
• Strong coverage of business and workplace skills.

Cons:

• Subscription fees may be high for occasional users.
• Limited depth in advanced technical areas.
• Some content may feel introductory for experienced professionals.

4. AltSchool Africa

AltSchool Africa is a Nigeria-founded platform offering structured programmes in software engineering, data, product design and other tech fields. It combines remote learning with mentorship and practical projects.

Pros:

• Programmes tailored to African learners.
• Focus on job-ready tech skills.
• Flexible study options for working professionals.

Cons:

• Smaller catalogue compared to global platforms.
• Intensive programmes may challenge beginners.
• Certifications are still building global recognition.

5. Utiva

Utiva provides cohort-based training in data, product management and digital skills. Its model emphasises live instruction, peer interaction and real-world projects.

Pros:

• Practical training aligned with industry needs.
• Community support and networking opportunities.
• Content designed with African professionals in mind.

Cons:

• Higher fees than many self-paced courses.
• Narrower subject range than larger platforms.
• Fixed timelines may not suit all learners.

Choosing the Right Skills and Platform

For many Nigerians in 2026, the challenge is beyond access to courses but selecting the right path.

Skills that enable remote work, freelancing and digital entrepreneurship are especially attractive, as they allow professionals to tap into global markets.

With smartphone usage rising, mobile-friendly platforms with offline options and low data requirements are also important.

Cost, credibility of certification and practical relevance should guide decisions. Employers are paying closer attention to demonstrable skills and completed projects, not just paper qualifications.

In summary, continuous learning is becoming a necessity rather than an option. Nigeria’s young population, expanding connectivity and global appetite for digital talent create a window of opportunity.

Those who identify in-demand skills early and invest in credible, practical training platforms are likely to be better positioned in a labour market that is evolving faster than ever.

Research from several renowned organisations and bodies, including multinational accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, reveals that the digital economy has the potential to contribute 25% to the global GDP.

On a continental level, its contribution is projected to exceed $712 billion by 2050. Africa already has the working-age population needed to harness the potential of this economy, however, for this to become a reality, there is a need to develop the requisite skills to harness the burgeoning digital economy.

An in-depth study of the continent’s working-age demography reveals that a large segment of its youths have an interest in tech.

This is good news because there are many opportunities on the global corporate landscape for these tech enthusiasts to harness, launching them into careers that are not restricted to a single country or continent.

In Nigeria, where a technology renaissance is in full bloom, there is a gnawing need for tech talents within both tech and non-tech companies.

A McKinsey survey of 3.5 million job postings for roles attuned to the tech trends sweeping the globe, it is evident that there are more roles than qualified professionals.

Yet, companies are more enthusiastic about hiring experienced professionals than greenhorns; this has led to a raging battle for tech talents across the global corporate landscape.

Considering the gaping disparity between the available talents and enthusiasts, the solution to this dissension is to invest in and leverage the untapped talent pool that exists.

In Nigeria, one company that is championing this is Jumia, a leading Pan-African technology company that currently offers e-commerce and payment solutions services to millions of Nigerians across the country’s six geo-political zones.

With the knowledge that experience in any given field is the pathway to increased expertise and economic stability, Jumia is opening its doors to give tech talents across Nigeria positions with its structure.

These positions serve as opportunities to strengthen already existing skills and gain new ones ranging from DevOps, UI/UX Design, Site Reliability Engineering, Data Engineering, Tech Support, Backend and Frontend Development, Mobile Engineering, Product, Security and Cybersecurity amongst others.

The company’s commitment to local talent development is also about creating meaningful, high-impact employment opportunities.

In a region where unemployment remains a pressing issue, Jumia is leading the charge.

By recruiting local talents, the company contributes to economic growth, social upliftment, and personal fulfilment for countless individuals.

In addition, the ripple effect of Jumia’s local talent recruitment strategy extends far beyond their workforce.

With a position at Jumia, present and prospective employees play crucial roles in the development of Nigeria and Africa’s tech ecosystem.

This translates into a pipeline of experts who are working assiduously to make the potential contribution of 25% to the global GDP a reality.

According to Enitan Oyenuga, human Resources Director, Jumia Nigeria, the purpose of the recruitment drive is to provide invaluable opportunities for career growth to tech talents within Nigeria and Africa.

Speaking on this, she said,

“The sustained technological evolution the world has witnessed in the past few decades has made it expedient for everyone, particularly those in the tech space, to engage in a continuous cycle of learning, unlearning, and re-learning. The tech sector is unique because new trends pop up every day and these trends create demands for skills that were hitherto either nonexistent or simplified. With the recruitment drive, Jumia is providing numerous tech talents with an ecosystem where they are always ahead of the curve caused by the continued evolution in tech. This way, our employees remain catalysts in the tech ecosystem.”

Another strategic way the company has created and provided an invaluable ecosystem for tech talents to grow, innovate and proffer solutions to real-life challenges is through its Jumia Tech Hub.

First launched in Porto, the Jumia Tech Hub has given and continues to give hundreds the opportunity to learn from their counterparts in highly competitive markets.

With the impact the Hub has had in Porto and then in Cairo, projections on the impact the Tech Hub will have on the Nigerian market and global digital economy are promising.

Additionally, apart from the Tech Centre in Porto and Egypt, Jumia has two promising hubs in Kenya and soon in Nigeria, further solidifying its presence in key African tech ecosystems.

As Jumia continues to innovate locally, its impact is being felt globally. By nurturing the next generation of tech leaders and driving technological advancements, Jumia’s commitment to tech talent excellence is a testament to the idea that when you invest in local communities, you have the potential to impact the world.

His family, which confirmed his death in a statement on Wednesday, asked for understanding and privacy as they mourn him.

The statement said the quintessential banker with over 21 years of experience in investment banking, corporate banking, stockbroking, asset management, and pension fund management, died on the evening of Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

“We hereby solicit the support and understanding of everyone as the family grieves the loss of our beloved Laolu in our privacy.

“Our kind request is that you support the family – wife, children, aged mother and father and his siblings with your prayers at this difficult time.

“Further announcements will be made by the family”, the statement said.

Martins started his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1999.

He joined Investment Banking & Trust Company Plc, now Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, where he served in the Financial Control and Trade Finance/Foreign Operations units of the Bank before being seconded to Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd, where at various times he was Financial Controller, Head Asset Management and lastly Head Stockbroking.

He later resigned in 2005 to join Shell Nig. CPFA Ltd, the Fund Manager of the Shell Companies in Nigeria Pensions Scheme, where he was Head, Investments up till 2008 when he resigned to join Nigeria International Security Limited, NISL, an independent financial services firm specializing in investments within the Nigerian space.