From Excel to Python: The Nigerian Beginner’s Path to Data Analysis
In Nigeria’s fast-growing tech industry, data analysis skills can unlock high-paying jobs in banking, e-commerce, and startups. But where should you start? Excel or Python?
The truth is, you need both—and this guide will show you the most practical learning path for Nigerian beginners.
At I4Tech Integrated Services, we’ve trained 1,000+ Nigerians in data analysis. Here’s our proven step-by-step roadmap to go from Excel basics to Python mastery—even if you’re a complete beginner.
Why Learn Both Excel & Python?
| Tool | Best For | Used By |
|---|---|---|
| Excel | Quick business analysis, small datasets | Banks, SMEs, entry-level jobs |
| Python | Big data, automation, machine learning | Tech firms, startups, high-paying roles |
Key Insight:
✔ Start with Excel (easier, widely used in Nigerian businesses)
✔ Then learn Python (for career growth & higher salaries)
The Nigerian Beginner’s Roadmap
Phase 1: Master Excel (Weeks 1-4)
Why? 90% of Nigerian businesses still use Excel daily.
What to Learn:
✅ PivotTables & Charts
✅ VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP
✅ Data Cleaning & Formatting
✅ Dashboards & Basic Automation
Where to Learn (Free & Paid):
- Free: YouTube (Chandoo, MyOnlineTrainingHub)
- Paid: I4Tech’s Excel for Data Analysis (₦15,000, includes certification)
Phase 2: Add SQL (Weeks 5-8)
Why? SQL is essential for working with databases (used by Jumia, Flutterwave).
What to Learn:
✅ SELECT, WHERE, GROUP BY
✅ Joins (INNER, LEFT JOIN)
✅ Subqueries & Aggregations
Best Resources:
- Free: SQLZoo, Khan Academy
- Hands-on: I4Tech’s SQL + Excel Bundle (₦25,000)
Phase 3: Learn Python Basics (Weeks 9-12)
Why? Python unlocks higher salaries (₦400k+) in tech companies.
What to Learn First:
✅ Pandas (DataFrames, Filtering)
✅ NumPy (Basic Calculations)
✅ Matplotlib/Seaborn (Visualizations)
Pro Tip: Don’t start with Python! Excel & SQL first make it easier.
Best Nigerian-Friendly Resources:
- Free: Kaggle Python Courses
- Structured Learning: I4Tech’s Python for Beginners (₦35,000)
Phase 4: Build Projects (Weeks 13+)
Why? Projects get you hired—not just certificates.
5 Portfolio Project Ideas:
- Sales Analysis (Excel + Python)
- Customer Segmentation (SQL + Python)
- COVID-19/Nigerian Economic Data Dashboard (Power BI)
- Automated Excel Report with Python
- Jumia Product Analysis (Web Scraping + Pandas)
Why This Order Works for Nigerians
- Excel → Get a quick job (₦120k-₦250k)
- + SQL → Qualify for better roles (₦300k+)
- + Python → Access tech companies (₦400k-₦1M+)
“I started with Excel at I4Tech, now I use Python at a fintech earning ₦600k/month.”
— Tunde, I4Tech Graduate
How I4Tech Makes Learning Easier
✅ Structured Curriculum – No confusion on what to learn next
✅ Nigerian Case Studies – Practice with local datasets (Lagos business data, NBS reports)
✅ Job-Ready Projects – Build a portfolio that impresses employers
✅ Flexible Learning – Online/Offline • Weekday/Weekend