Let me just say it plainly—not all online courses are created equal.
- Some will change your life.
- Others will waste your data.
- And a few? They’ll just confuse you and bounce.
But in Nigeria, where people are grinding to escape “sapa,” it’s easy to jump on every course link you see on Instagram, Telegram, or WhatsApp, especially when the ad says:
Learn this skill and earn ₦500k monthly from home!”
Yeah. I believed that too. Until I spent over ₦70k buying courses that promised heaven but delivered PowerPoint slides and tired PDFs.
So let’s cut the noise, I was scammed; the question is :
Which course categories actually work?
What to avoid
And how to choose the right one—without stress or heartbreak
🎯 First: What Does “Work” Mean in Nigeria?
When I say a course “works,” I mean: It is something you can
- You can understand it easily
- You can apply it quickly
- You can earn something real with it (side hustle, job, freelance gig)
- It matches the Nigerian online space (not some Silicon Valley fantasy)
✅ Courses That Actually Work in Nigeria
Here are the skill-based online courses I’ve seen actually help people make money (and I’ve tested or seen real results):
1. Copywriting
If you can write convincing messages that make people buy, you’re gold.
You don’t need a degree. You just need grammar, flow, and creativity.
Great for: Selling products, freelancing, affiliate marketing.
Tools needed: Your phone and Google Docs.
2. Mini Importation / WhatsApp Dropshipping
You learn how to buy goods cheap (from China or local dealers) and resell without holding stock.
Great for: Students, stay-at-home parents, unemployed graduates.
Bonus: You can sell using WhatsApp Status or Instagram.
3. Affiliate Marketing (Selar, Expertnaire, etc.)
If you have audience or good DM skills, you can sell other people’s courses or tools and get a commission.
Great for: Hustlers who are good at chatting or convincing people.
Warning: Avoid fake or shady platforms.
5. Video Editing with CapCut / VN App
You don’t need a laptop. TikTokers, YouTubers, and small business owners are always looking for someone to cut videos, add captions, and add sound.
Great for: Teens, Gen Zs, and creators on a budget.
Apps are free and phone-friendly.
❌ Courses That Often Disappoint in Nigeria (or Need Caution)
Let’s be honest. These aren’t “bad,” but they often don’t work as expected unless you already have structure, gear, or connections:
1. Dropshipping from Shopify: Looks flashy but often requires dollars, Facebook ads, and tons of trial-and-error. Not for everyone, but individuals with very large experience and a robust assets to cover any negative consequences.
2. Forex & Crypto Trading “Masterclasses”
Too many scammers. If it’s not from a verified source, run. Or better—walk away in peace.
3. AI/Tech Courses Without Local Adaptation
Courses teaching GPT tools, coding, or prompt engineering can be useful—but if it’s all theory and no Nigerian case study, you’ll be lost.
🧠 How to Know a Course is Worth Buying
Before you pay a kobo, ask yourself:
Who is the teacher? Have they done what they’re teaching or just repeating theory?
Are there real testimonials? (Not just “OMG this course changed my life!” from a carto…
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