As technology evolves and demand for professionals with specialised skills continue to grow, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes on some of the in-demand technology skills to acquire in 2025
From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, the digital landscape is reshaping industries, creating new career opportunities, and redefining the skills required for success.
Below are some of the most sought-after tech skills in 2025 and how to acquire them.
Full-stack development
Full-stack development remains one of the most in-demand skills in the tech industry. Full-stack developers possess expertise in both front-end and back-end technologies, allowing them to build and maintain entire web applications.
“Continuous learning is essential in the ever-evolving IT field,” said computer specialist Utpal Kafle. “Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies, and never stop exploring new skills.”
Aspiring full-stack developers can benefit from online courses on platforms such as freeCodeCamp and The Odin Project. Building personal projects and contributing to open-source initiatives also provide valuable hands-on experience.
Data science
Data science involves extracting meaningful insights from large datasets through statistical and computational techniques. It is widely used across industries, from finance and healthcare to marketing and politics.
“This is a transformative skill that benefits everyone,” said cloud specialist Rajarshi Ghorsh. “Applications range from fraud detection to consumer sentiment analysis and even precision medicine.”
Those looking to enter the field should focus on learning programming languages such as Python and R and mastering tools like Jupyter Notebook, pandas, and scikit-learn. Platforms like DataCamp and Dataquest offer structured courses to build expertise.
Cybersecurity
With the rise in cyber threats globally, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has surged. From ethical hacking to penetration testing, cybersecurity experts play a crucial role in protecting computer systems and networks.
Earning certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can significantly enhance career prospects. Training platforms like Cybrary and Udemy provide relevant coursework, while hands-on experience can be gained through virtual labs and ethical hacking platforms like Hack The Box.
Cloud computing
The widespread adoption of cloud computing has transformed how businesses store and access data, driving demand for cloud specialists.
“This is a high-demand skill,” said Ghorsh. “More companies are migrating to the cloud to optimise costs, with major players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google investing heavily in cloud technologies.”
Professionals can gain expertise through certifications from AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Platforms such as A Cloud Guru and Linux Academy offer in-depth training, while free-tier accounts on cloud platforms allow for hands-on practice.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and ML are revolutionising industries by enabling computers to learn from data, make predictions, and automate complex tasks.
“Businesses are leveraging AI to improve processes, predict trends, and enhance customer experiences,” said affiliate marketer Tom Gracey.
To develop expertise in AI and ML, learners can explore courses on Coursera, edX, Udacity, and Udemy. Books such as Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras & TensorFlow provide foundational knowledge, while Kaggle competitions offer real-world application opportunities.
Big Data and NoSQL
The exponential growth of unstructured data from social media, mobile applications, and IoT devices has rendered traditional relational databases less effective. NoSQL databases have emerged as a scalable solution for handling massive datasets.
“Nobody wants to rely solely on structured, normalised data anymore,” said Ghorsh. “Companies are integrating vast amounts of data from multiple sources, and relational databases can’t keep up—NoSQL is the answer.”
Professionals interested in big data should focus on technologies like Apache Hadoop, Spark, and MongoDB, as well as data storage and retrieval techniques essential for large-scale data management.
Web development
Despite the emergence of new technologies, web development remains a fundamental skill, as businesses continue to require an online presence.
“This is an established skill but always in demand,” said Ghorsh. “Keeping your knowledge up to date ensures your CV remains relevant.”
Those entering web development should master JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, along with frameworks like React and Angular.
Hybrid app development
As businesses prioritise cost efficiency, hybrid app development has gained traction, enabling companies to build applications for both iOS and Android from a single codebase.
“Mobile is the future, without a doubt,” said Ghorsh. “Companies no longer invest in separate developers for iOS and Android—they hire hybrid app developers.”
Mastering tools like React Native, Flutter, and NativeScript can help developers stay ahead in the evolving mobile app industry.
Human-AI collaboration
As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, the ability to collaborate effectively with AI systems is emerging as a crucial skill.
“AI won’t replace you—but someone who knows how to use AI effectively might,” wrote AI researcher Randjit Chadha on Quora. “The key is to develop a creative partnership with machines.”
Key skills in this domain include prompt engineering (crafting precise AI queries), AI bias detection (identifying flaws in algorithms), and emotional intelligence (designing AI systems that respect human nuances).
