The short answer is that a CCNA is no longer a golden ticket, but it remains a highly respected foundation that shows you understand how networks actually function. While the Nigerian market is definitely pivoting toward cloud and DevOps, a strong grasp of fundamental routing and switching principles makes you a much more effective cloud engineer compared to those who lack that core knowledge. Employers today are rarely hiring based on a single certificate, so I would suggest using your networking background as a base and immediately stacking it with cloud certifications from AWS or Azure. Ultimately, your portfolio and your ability to solve real-world problems will carry more weight in an interview than the badge itself, so don't bank on the certification alone to secure a high-paying role. Treat your Cisco credentials as a necessary building block rather than the entire structure, and you will find yourself in a much better position to command a premium salary.

The short answer is that a Cisco certification is no longer a golden ticket, but it remains a very strong foundation for networking professionals in Nigeria. While companies are increasingly shifting toward cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, the underlying principles of networking that you learn through a CCNA are still essential for troubleshooting and infrastructure management. A certification on its own won't guarantee a high-paying role anymore, as employers now prioritize practical experience and the ability to combine networking knowledge with automation or cloud skills. My advice is to keep the certification if you are just starting out, but quickly pivot to adding cloud or scripting skills like Python to your toolkit to stay competitive. Ultimately, you should view your Cisco cert as a solid base for your resume, but treat your portfolio projects and cloud expertise as the real drivers for career growth.