How to Learn Basic Data Analysis (Excel/Python) and Get Paid — Even as a Complete Beginner


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basic data analysis in nigeria

This guide will help you understand how basic data analysis skills can be learned in Nigeria (even without a tech background), where to start (Excel or Python), and how to make money from it — whether freelancing or working a remote job.


Why Data Analysis Matters in 2025 (Especially in Nigeria)

More Nigerian companies are relying on data to make better business decisions. Whether it’s an e-commerce store tracking customer behavior or a bank optimizing loan approvals, data skills are in serious demand.

And here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a programmer or genius to get started. Many analysts use tools like Excel daily — and build up to Python once they grow.


What You Can Do with Basic Data Analysis Skills

  • ✔️ Freelance as a business analyst or research assistant
  • ✔️ Get a remote job in marketing, finance, operations or tech
  • ✔️ Help small businesses make smarter decisions using data
  • ✔️ Start a YouTube or TikTok channel sharing data tips
  • ✔️ Build dashboards or reports for NGOs and startups


Where to Start: Excel or Python?

Here’s how to pick your starting point:
Tool Best For Why It Matters
Excel Beginners, small business analytics, admin roles It’s everywhere. Most companies already use Excel.
Python Intermediate users, technical roles, automation It's scalable and powerful for big data tasks or APIs.

🔁 Our advice? Start with Excel. Then add Python later. Many Nigerian data professionals follow this path.



Learn the Right Things First

If you’re learning Excel:
  • Master formulas like VLOOKUP, IF, and SUMIFS
  • Understand pivot tables and charts
  • Get familiar with basic dashboards

If you’re learning Python:
  • Focus on the pandas and numpy libraries
  • Learn how to read CSVs and Excel files
  • Use matplotlib or seaborn for basic visualizations


Free Resources to Learn From Nigeria

Platform What It Offers
Excel Jet / Excel Campus Quick tutorials on Excel formulas and charts
W3Schools Python Beginner-friendly guide to Python syntax
YouTube (Ken Jee, Luke Barousse) Real-world projects, career advice, and roadmaps
Coursera / DataCamp Certification and guided courses with projects


How to Make Money with This Skill

There are 3 main ways you can earn from data analysis:
  1. Freelancing: Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to offer Excel help, reports, or data dashboards
  2. Remote Jobs: Many startups are open to junior data analysts if you show proof of skills
  3. Consult for SMEs: Help Nigerian businesses track performance or customer behavior

Tip: Projects You Can Start With

  • 📊 Analyze your monthly spending (Excel)
  • 📈 Visualize COVID-19 trends in Nigeria (Python)
  • 📂 Build a simple dashboard for a business you know
  • 🧾 Organize a data entry sheet for a local brand


Final Note

You don’t need a degree to become a data analyst. All you need is:
  1. Curiosity
  2. Consistency
  3. Real-world projects you can show

Start today with what you have. You’ll be surprised what one Excel sheet can turn into in a few months.

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