The future of transforming education in Nigeria and beyond
In February 2025, Alison attended the Omverse Africa summit in Lagos, Nigeria, where the founder and CEO of Alison Mike Feerick delivered an opening speech. The summit brought together the leaders of education and representatives of the Nigerian government to explore the future of education and present the exceptional achievements of the Nigerian education sector.
Mike has transmitted a memorable message on the transformative power of education and its crucial role in the development of Africa. After his speech, Mike was joined on stage by the awarded principal editor of CNN Africa, Africa, Stephanie Busari, and together, they discussed how innovation in education can shape the future of Africa. With access to quality learning always out of reach for many, their conversation has explored how digital education can democratize learning, increase whole workforce and create new career paths – all without financial obstacles.
As the largest free online learning platform in the world, Alison has long undertaken to make education accessible and relevant to all. With more than 45 million learners in 193 countries, our presence during this event has strengthened our mission to fill the gaps in skills, empower individuals and reshape access to global education in Africa and the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlj9qgxsso
The future of online learning and certification
The landscape of education undergoes a deep transformation. While digital learning platforms continue to increase, traditional education models are redefined, with more learners than ever adopting online education for flexibility, accessibility and profitability. Alison is at the forefront of this quarter work, with more than 7 million people registering for one or more of our 5,500+ free online courses in 2024 only. Online learning is no longer just an alternative – it is becoming the standard, which gives millions of people around the world to acquire precious skills, gain certifications and advance their career without financial obstacle.
These facts laid the foundations of Mike’s address to the participants in the conference. He stressed that if only 8% of the world’s population has attended college, technology can educate 100% of people with a fraction of the cost of traditional learning. Soon, anyone can study any subject, at any level, in any language – for free, thanks to platforms fueled by AI that will allow full online secondary schools and access to universal education.
Once Mike was joined on stage by Stephanie, they discussed how innovation in education can shape the future of Africa. With access to quality learning always out of reach for many, their conversation has explored how digital education can democratize learning, increase whole workforce and create new career paths, all without financial obstacles. Mike also underlined how AI is preparing to revolutionize hiring practices, allowing employers to test candidates in real time instead of relying on diplomas obtained a decade ago, which makes traditional certificates less relevant.
Africa planned to represent half of the new global workforce by 2030, Alison’s commitment to free and accessible learning guarantees that African learners are equipped to thrive in an evolving labor market and contributing significantly to the economic future of the world.
Opportunities for Nigerians: skills, jobs and economic empowerment
Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, undergoes an important economic and educational transformation. The country faces a rapidly evolving labor market influenced by technology, globalization and changing business needs. However, a considerable gap of skills threatens to leave many Nigerians in this dynamic landscape. In particular, according to the National Bureau of Statistics in Nigeria, the unemployment rate was 4.3% in the second quarter of 2024, with higher young people among those who have post -secondary training. This indicates a gap between educational results and market demands.
In addition, a 2024 report of the African Development Bank Group stressed that 66.9% of manufacturing companies in Nigeria experience significant gaps in skills, highlighting the need for targeted skills development.
The Omivers Summit provides a platform for world leaders to discuss how education can solve these problems. During his opening speech, Mike focused on how platforms like Alison can help fill these shortcomings by offering Nigerians the opportunity to take off at no cost. While more and more Nigerians are turning to online learning, they have access to courses and certifications that can open doors to better employment prospects and economic empowerment.
So, what key skills on Nigerians should be concentrated to remain relevant in the labor market over the next five years?
Current gap of skills on Nigerian workforce
1. Digital technology and literacy: The Nigeria technological sector increases rapidly, but there is a shortage of qualified professionals, in particular in fields such as data analysis, software development and cybersecurity. While more and more companies are kissing digital transformation, the demand for technological talents will not increase. Nigerians who develop these skills will be better placed to win jobs with high demand in the years to come
2. With the appropriate training in fields such as finance, marketing and strategic planning, Nigerian entrepreneurs can develop their businesses and create more job possibilities for others. Free business and entrepreneurship courses in Alison, for example, provide essential skills in these areas.
3. General skills and leadership: leadership and interpersonal skills are crucial for career progression, but, according to Veriv Africa, many Nigerians are not properly trained in these areas. While more Nigerians aspire to leadership roles, it is essential to focus on skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork and emotional intelligence.
4. Health and well-being: By focusing on health and well-being, the demand for health professionals is increasing. Nigeria faces important gaps in qualified health workers, ranging from doctors to caregivers and well-being experts. The upgrading of skills in these areas will help Nigerians exploit this critical and growing sector.
5. Sustainability and green jobs: as global awareness of environmental problems increases, emphasis is on sustainability and the green economy. In Nigeria, the green job sector is still emerging, but it is very promising. Courses in environmental sciences, renewable energies and sustainable commercial practices are essential to position Nigerians to succeed in this sector.
How Alison changes access to global education
Alison’s commitment to transform access to global education illustrates our concentration on the offer of free and high quality education to anyone, anywhere. With thousands of courses in a range of categories – including business, technology, health and digital literacy – our platform allows individuals to acquire new skills, gain certificates accredited to CPD and modify the trajectory of their career without the financial burden of traditional education.
Our impact in Nigeria is particularly important, because our platform allows millions of Nigerians to fill the skills gap and improve their chances of getting better. Nigeria ranks 5th among our 10 best countries, with 2 million registered users and 5 million courses. By offering relevant and requested courses, Alison actively contributes to the empowerment of individuals and communities across the country, ensuring that they have knowledge and references to compete with an evolving labor market.
Beyond courses, Alison offers career strengthening tools to help learners navigate with confidence in their professional trips. Our assessment of the personality in the workplace helps individuals understand their ideal work and work environments, while our mental health assessment supports global well-being in professional contexts. The ready career plan provides personalized advice to help learners trace their career objectives, and our ability test allows users to identify their basic skills and growth areas. To further support job seekers, our CV manufacturer helps create polished professional CVs that stand out for employers.
Alison certificates have also become a powerful tool for job seekers and employers. While more and more companies recognize the value of online learning certifications, the gap between the qualifications of job seekers and employers’ expectations continues to fill. Alison is a key player in this world change, helping millions of learners to demonstrate competence, gaining confidence and achieving their career goals. By combining free education with essential career tools, Alison is not only of equipping individuals with knowledge, but also giving them measures to follow for significant employment and long -term success.
A vision for the future
The Omverse summit has recalled important how online education can help meet some of the most urgent challenges in the world, especially in developing countries. Alison, with her free and accessible courses, is proud to play a central role in this transformation – empower people to increase, gain confidence and take control of their future. By finishing the gaps in skills and improving the relevance of individuals on the job market, we are committed to shaping a better and more inclusive future for learners around the world.
