15 IT Courses You Should Consider Enrolling For in Nigeria

We live in a technology-driven world; Information Technology (IT) needs no further introduction. Look around you, from your smartphone, ATM cards, electronics, ecommerce and even healthcare; the role technology play in our lives cannot be over emphasized. New Tech companies offering a barrage of services spring up here and there, this in order words mean there are new jobs created by this sector every now and then.

Nigeria is not an exception in the Tech boom with the emergence of big players in the ecommerce sector and the gradual emergence of Yaba as a Tech hub in Nigeria. The demand for new talents by employers is on the increase. IT certificates are considered as added advantage to your Academic certificates. Nigeria’s IT sector is still developing, if you want to be in a pole position when the big money starts flowing, the time is now for you to start learning.

Whether you want to add feathers to your CV, be self-employed or trying to build new skill sets, we have compiled 15 Information Technology courses you can enrol for in Nigeria.

1. Web Design and Development

Web designing involves designing static web pages which includes the graphical elements and less functionality while Web development is used to describe database-driven websites using dynamic scripting languages like PHP or ASP. It also covers database design and development. Sites like Facebook, Yahoo and WordPress are coded in PHP; one of the programming languages used in web development.
More companies are taking their businesses online and this is the e-commerce era in Nigeria, you can take your web development skills one step further by learning how to use Magento, Open Cart, Prestashop, WordPress WooCommerce which powers many of these e-commerce companies. The ability to use and customize Blogger or WordPress blogging platforms is also very important.

2. Programming

When it comes to programming, there is a plethora of options to choose from. Programmers achieve their objectives through the use of programming languages such as Java, Python, C, C++, Ruby and web languages like PHP, SQL and Javascript. Java is one of the most sort after programming language for desktop and mobile application.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ programming language, if you know the sector you are going to, it is advisable to know what programming language is used and be very good at it.

3. Cisco

Cisco affords you the opportunity to become an inter-networking expert (configuring and connecting several networks). Cisco Career Certification program offer five levels of network certification: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert and Architect with certification examinations to be taken at the end of each stage. These certificates transcend borders; they are internationally recognized.

Visit: www.cisco.com for more information

4. Oracle

Oracle deals with database, record keeping and manipulation. Oracle is the most widely used database application; it is used in big corporations dealing with large data. Depending on the level of certification, you need to fulfil a combination of training, passing exams, and performance-based assignments.

• Oracle Certified Associate – (OCA)
• Oracle Certified Professional – (OCP) and 3 other advanced levels of certification.

The Oracle Certified Junior Associate (OJA) certification target students in secondary schools, colleges and universities who are studying computer science focused on Database or Java.

Visit: www.oracle.com for more information.

5. Microsoft

You are presented with privileges to be grounded in server, desktop, database, and developer based on Microsoft products. There are three major tiers of Microsoft certifications:

• Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

6. Comptia

Comptia offers candidates with professional certificates/knowledge such as Hardware Engineering and Networking as these are basic IT requirements among other certificates. These certificates are obtainable

Comptia A+ (certificate in hardware engineering)
Comptia N+ (certificate in networking)
Comptia Security+ (Makes you a Network Security Expert)

7. Peach Tree Accounting

A package designed for business organizations and Accountants who want to take their career to the next level.

8. AutoCAD

This is designed for Engineers and Architects and professionals that require technical drawing. The era of taking long rulers, drawing boards, sheets and pencil is fast eroding.

9. Networking (Wired & Wireless)

This makes you stand out as a network expert; you will be able to set up cybercafés, laboratories, internet hotspot for schools and organizations.

10. Hardware Engineering

You will be able to assemble, repair and maintain PCs for friends, family and organizations.

11. Project Management

A specialized course that provides you with managerial skills and employability. It involves planning, organizing and managing resources for the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. PRINCE2 and PMI are popular modules used for Project Management training.

12. Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH)

You’ll become a ‘hacker’ with this course. The goal of an ethical hacker is to protect networks from malicious attacks (from bad hackers). You will perform your duties staying within legal limits by attacking the system yourself. On the other hand, most bad hackers who hacked through some companies resources were later employed by the companies they hacked.

13. Statistical Analysis System (SAS)

This deals with business analytics software and services aimed at improving performance and deliver values by making decisions faster. Some of the business solutions made available in SAS includes the following:
Risk Management, Customer Relations Management, Fraud Protection and Detection, Financial Intelligence, IT Management and lots more.

14. Graphics Design and Multimedia

With this, you will be able to design flyers, posters, hand bills as well as images for websites. You will be able to do animations, stunning presentations and mind blowing TV adverts rich in graphics.

15. Application Development

No doubt, this is the app era globally; there is need for more mobile app developers in Nigeria as most app development jobs are usually outsourced. Upon successful completion of a course in app development, you will be able to develop apps and software that provide solutions to particular problems.

Opportunities provided by Information Technology are limitless. You can enrol for any of these programmes online or at a reputable IT training institute. If you are more of a self-taught individual, there are many Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) portals like coursera.org, lynda.com or edx.org and thousands of free YouTube video tutorials that can help you with the courses above. Go to a good IT training outfit if you need guidance when learning new things.

Finally, make sure that the course you choose to purse is what you have passion for. More importantly, it is not just about the certification you must be able to put everything you might have learned to use for the benefit of humanity.