Nigeria Ranks Third Globally in Enrolment for Professional Courses on Coursera
Business and technology skills are the top preferences for African learners, according to a study conducted by Coursera, a United States-based training and skills company. The study reveals that the region has experienced significant growth in enrolment for professional certificate courses, with an average increase of 80% over the past few years.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, stands out with an impressive 142,000 learners enrolled, ranking third globally. The United States takes the top spot with 1.3 million learners, followed by India with 654,000 enrolments. The report also highlights the specific areas African learners are inclined to invest in, such as technology skills like web development, user experience, and data science skills like geo-visualisation and data visualisation software.
Nigeria is not the only country in the region witnessing substantial growth in enrolment figures. Cameroon is leading the pack in enrolling for technology courses, while learners from Zambia are seeking studies in data science skills.
The report further delves into the performance of Nigerian learners in different skill areas. While they score competitively in entrepreneurship with 51% in business courses, they lag behind in strategy and operations (13%), finance (22%), and leadership and management (25%). Technology and data science skills also don’t yield impressive scores for Nigerians.
In comparison, South Africans display competitive scores across a range of business skills, except for finance, human resources, and communication, where they fall below the 50% mark. South African learners show a keen interest in business skills courses like audit, investment management, innovation, and risk management, as well as technology skills such as network architecture and computer programming.
The study emphasizes that Sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to become the next hub for digital skills learning, underscoring the need for regional leaders to prioritize investments in technology and data science skills. The high enrolment figures indicate a growing interest in professional development and upskilling, crucial for personal growth and career advancement.
As the region embraces this digital skills revolution, learners are equipping themselves with the knowledge and expertise necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving job market. The rise in enrolment figures reflects the determination of African learners to harness their potential and contribute to the global workforce. With a focus on business and technology skills, Africa is preparing to become a competitive player on the international stage.
By tapping into online learning platforms like Coursera, learners are not only gaining valuable skills but also expanding access to quality education. This digital transformation has the potential to bridge educational gaps and empower individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their geographical location.
As Africa positions itself as a digital skills learning hub, the continent is poised for a promising future. By investing in technology and data science skills, African countries can unlock their full potential and drive innovation and progress in various sectors. The journey to professional excellence starts with education, and the increasing enrolment figures on Coursera are a testament to Africa’s determination to thrive in the digital age.
