Nigeria is a country with a rapidly growing economy and an expanding business sector. However, in order to stay competitive in the global market, Nigerian companies need to have a workforce that is skilled in the latest technology. This is where the need for tech upskilling in Nigeria comes in. By investing in the training and development of their staff, companies can ensure that they are well-equipped to handle the demands of the modern business world. Several companies offer IT upskilling services but, DelonApps is the foremost IT upskilling company in Nigeria. The company has provided enterprise training services for organizations such as banks in Nigeria with a proven track record of success.
What is upskilling?
Upskilling is the process of coaching, teaching, and enhancing current abilities and skills, to effectively increase or boost the capabilities of existing staff. It is a workplace trend that promotes learning by making available, development opportunities and training programs for employees. This would help to increase an employee’s skillset and minimize skill gaps. Upskilling is the process of training and developing employees’ technical skills and it focuses on training current employees’ abilities for them to advance in their careers and gain access to various opportunities and roles within the company.
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically influenced how and where people work. Businesses around the world increasingly adopt automation and emerging technologies and this has caused a decrease in the skill shortage worldwide. Organizations that only have under-skilled or underprepared staff are at risk of getting left behind in this technologically advancing age.
Thus, companies must ensure that their staff (present and future staff) have the necessary digital skills to grow and thrive in the work environment that is emerging or set to emerge over the next couple of years.
What is tech upskilling?
With the recent upsurge in AI advancements (and tech advancements in general) worldwide, it has become increasingly necessary for companies to be fully involved in ensuring the tech upskilling of staff in Nigeria. Staff tech upskilling involves equipping employees with important tech skills that will boost their skillset and make them relevant in the ever-improving technological society. This will not only ensure that employees improve their abilities, but also ensure increased profit for the company. The Nigerian tech industry is a diverse one, with various companies and startups operating in different sectors.
Some of the most prominent sectors include e-commerce, fintech, and software development. E-commerce companies are leveraging technology to make it easier for consumers to shop online while fintech companies, for example, are using technology to improve access to financial services and make banking more efficient. Software development companies, on the other hand, are also growing by providing services to a wide range of industries. The banking industry is becoming more digitized, and this makes it necessary for banks in Nigeria to be up to date on recent tech skills and digital advancements to ensure the effective delivery of services to their customers.
Benefits of tech upskilling in Nigeria
The COVID-19 pandemic has made businesses in Nigeria drastically change their mode of operation. This was further heightened by the various technological innovations that surfaced during this period and afterward. Thus, a workforce that is skilled in the latest technology is an essential component for Nigerian companies to have to ensure they have an edge in the global market space. Investing in the tech upskilling of staff in Nigeria has various benefits for employees and the company as a whole. Some of the benefits of staff tech upskilling include the following:
Increase in productivity:
One of the benefits tech upskilling gives companies and employees is an increase in overall productivity. By equipping employees with the necessary tech skills and tools to complete their tasks more efficiently, companies in Nigeria can improve or boost their overall productivity. This will not only lead to a significant increase in the revenue generated by the company, but it will also increase the ability to win more business and deliver projects more efficiently. This is especially important in Nigeria, where many companies are facing acute competition from other businesses, both locally and internationally.
Improvement in the quality of work:
Another benefit of staff tech upskilling is an improvement in the quality of work. When employees are well-trained and skilled in the latest technology, they can produce higher-quality work that meets and transcends industry standards. This can lead to an increase in customer satisfaction, which in turn leads to an increase in business profits. This is particularly beneficial for companies that are looking to expand their business overseas and build a reputation for quality work.
Provides employees with a sense of empowerment and a sense of self-worth:
Staff upskilling in Nigeria also provides employees with a sense of empowerment and an increased sense of self-worth. When employees feel that they are valued, that they are relevant to the success of the company and that their skills are being developed, they are more likely to feel invested in ensuring the success of the company. This will lead to increased job satisfaction, which in turn, causes an increase in employee retention. This is important for companies as it helps to reduce staff turnover and the cost associated with it.
Creation of new job opportunities and career advancement:
Moreover, when enterprises engage in tech upskilling, it can lead to the creation of new job opportunities in Nigeria and the encouragement of career advancement. As the company grows and the industry changes, skilled employees will be in a better position to take on new roles and responsibilities. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, as employees will be able to take on new challenges and advance their careers.
Helps companies stay ahead of the curve:
In addition, tech upskilling also helps companies to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest technologies and trends. By providing employees with the necessary skills and knowledge, companies can ensure that they are well equipped to handle new technologies and emerging trends in their industry. This can be particularly important for companies in the technology, IT, and banking sectors, as they need to be at the forefront of new technologies in order to maintain a competitive edge in the global market.
Tech upskilling is a cost-effective strategy for companies:
Furthermore, tech upskilling is also a cost-effective strategy for companies. By investing in the training and development of their staff, companies can reduce the need to hire external consultants or contractors and the need to hire new staff. This will help businesses to save money by reducing costs and increasing overall profitability.
It helps to bridge the gap:
Tech upskilling can help to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries. Many people do not have access to technology and the skills necessary to use it in developing countries. Thus, by promoting tech upskilling, the government and businesses can help to bridge this digital gap, which can lead to an increase in the country’s overall economic growth and improve standards of living.
Organizations that have a reputation for investing in their staff and providing training opportunities for them will not only retain their employees but will also attract potential employees.
Who should be upskilled?
Previously, the focus has been on the younger age bracket (ages 18 to 30s) for IT training in Nigeria. However, companies should also look to ensure that older staff are upskilled in tech. Staff in their 40s should also be equipped with the vital tech skills necessary to navigate this ever-evolving tech age. There are a number of benefits involved when companies (such as banks) train their older staff. An example of this is the reduced possibility of staff relocation overseas. Younger company staffs are more likely to relocate abroad in search of greener pastures and this could result in a loss or waste of company resources used to upskill them. However middle-aged staffs are less likely to simply pack up their lives and relocate abroad. This is because they have already built their life in Nigeria and thus, it would be more difficult for them to just decide to pack up and relocate. However, this is not to imply that only middle-aged staff should be upskilled. Both young and older company staff ought to undergo software development training in Nigeria.
The most in-demand tech skills in Nigeria
Software Development:
One of the tech skills in high demand in Nigeria is software development. With the growing number of tech startups in the country, there is a high demand for software developers who can create and maintain the technology that powers these companies. This includes expertise in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++, as well as experience with web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Data Science:
Another in-demand skill in Nigeria is data science. With the growing amount of data being generated by businesses and organizations, data scientists are becoming increasingly valuable. These professionals use statistical methods and machine learning algorithms to extract insights from data, which can be used to inform business decisions and improve operations.
Cybersecurity:
Cybersecurity is also becoming a critical skill in Nigeria, as the country’s economy becomes increasingly digital. With the recent increase in hybrid work mode, workers (especially remote workers) are more vulnerable to hackers, and this can lead to a loss of customers’ trust as well as a company’s reputational damage. Also, with the increasing use of technology in business and government, cybersecurity professionals are needed to protect against cyber threats and keep sensitive information safe. This includes expertise in areas such as network security, cryptography, and incident response.
User experience design (UX design)
Companies are now more user-centered than ever before. Due to the increase in online business transactions, a user’s experience on a business website is being made more intuitive and simpler. This is done to ensure customer satisfaction and retention, which makes user-experience design an important tech skill that is in increasing demand.
Database Administration
Database administration is a critical aspect of managing and organizing data for businesses and organizations. It involves designing, implementing, and maintaining databases to ensure data integrity, security, and accessibility. Structured Query Language (SQL) is a highly used standard programming language in database administration. Due to the increasing importance of data in today’s digital economy, there is an increasing demand for skilled database administrators. When enterprises invest in upskilling their staff in database administration, employees will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and maintain the data that drives business operations and decision-making.
General tech skills (project management and problem-solving):
In addition to these specific skills, there is also a growing demand for general tech skills such as project management and problem-solving. Project management involves the process of overseeing the application of certain knowledge, tools, and techniques to complete a particular project within a given timeframe. Problem-solving, on the other hand, is the ability to provide actionable, timely solutions to problems. These skills are important for professionals working in any area of technology, as they enable them to manage complex projects and identify and solve problems quickly and effectively.
Challenges of tech upskilling in Nigeria
Lack of access to reliable and affordable electricity:
One of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s technology sector is a lack of access to reliable and affordable electricity. Nigeria has a chronic shortage of electricity, which makes it difficult for businesses to operate and for individuals to access the internet and other digital services. This lack of access to electricity also hinders the development of technology infrastructure, such as data centers and internet service providers.
Limited availability of high-speed internet:
Another challenge is the limited availability of high-speed internet. Despite a growing number of internet users in Nigeria, internet penetration is still low and internet speeds are often slow and unreliable. This makes it difficult for businesses to operate online and for individuals to access online services and information.
Limited understanding of the importance of tech upskilling:
Another challenge is the limited understanding of the importance of tech upskilling among Nigerian companies. Many companies do not see the value in investing in their staff’s development and believe that it is not a priority. This can lead to a lack of support for tech upskilling initiatives within the company.
Strategies for overcoming the challenges
Partnering with reputable training companies:
Working together with a reputable enterprise training company in Nigeria is one of the strategies necessary for successful IT upskilling in this country. Such a company provides access to high-quality training and resources at an affordable cost and also provides trainers with the necessary knowledge and experience to deliver effective training. Companies like this also have a 24/7 power supply as well as access to high-speed internet.
Providing on-the-job training and mentorship:
Another strategy is to provide on-the-job training and mentorship. This can be done by assigning experienced staff members to act as mentors for new staff members. This not only provides new staff members with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals but also helps to build a culture of learning and development within the company.
Encouraging self-directed learning:
Encouraging self-directed learning is also an effective strategy. This can be done by providing staff members with access to online resources and technology such as e-learning platforms, online courses, and tutorials. By providing staff members with the tools to learn on their own, companies can empower them to take responsibility for their development.
Leveraging online resources and technology:
Finally, companies can leverage online resources and technology to provide training and resources to staff members remotely. This is especially useful for companies that have staff members working in different locations or for those that have a distributed workforce.
As mentioned earlier, DelonApps is the leading IT company that provides enterprise training services in Nigeria with a proven track record of success. This company offers a wide range of courses and programs that are designed to help individuals and organizations stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape. And these courses are not only available at affordable rates but are also tailored to meet the learning needs regardless of the level of expertise.
In conclusion, tech upskilling is essential for the success of Nigerian companies. The challenges of lack of access to reliable and affordable electricity, limited understanding of the importance of tech upskilling, and limited availability of high-speed internet can be overcome by partnering with reputable training companies, providing on-the-job training and mentorship, encouraging self-directed learning, and leveraging online resources and technology. Through these strategies, companies can invest in the training and development of their staff to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the demands of the modern business world. It is therefore crucial for companies in Nigeria to invest in their staff’s tech upskilling to secure their future growth and success. In the end, this will help to increase productivity, improve the quality of work, and increase revenue, thus leading to the overall success of the company. Individuals and organizations that invest in tech upskilling will be well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the growing Nigerian tech industry.
